Kenyan music star Bien Aimé Baraza has finally responded after facing intense criticism online over his recent interaction with Emmanuel Macron during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
The award-winning singer, popularly known as Bien, came under fire after photos and videos of him mingling with Macron at high-profile state events surfaced online.
Some social media users accused the “Bald Men Love Better” hitmaker of associating too closely with a Western leader whose government has faced criticism in parts of Africa over France’s historical and political influence on the continent.
However, the former Sauti Sol vocalist appeared unbothered by the backlash and chose to address critics directly through a statement shared on his X account.
“I can sit at a table with global leaders and still remain fully African, fully critical, and fully myself. Presence is not submission,” Bien wrote in his response that quickly sparked fresh debate online.
Bien’s comments came after Kenyans questioned why he attended exclusive engagements linked to Macron’s official visit to Kenya.
The singer had been among notable creatives and public figures invited to events surrounding the Africa Forward Summit 2026, a major diplomatic gathering co-hosted by Kenya and France in Nairobi.
The summit attracted more than 30 African leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and policymakers, with discussions focusing on innovation, investment, youth empowerment and partnerships between African nations and France.
Macron used the event to push for what he described as a new relationship between France and Africa built on “mutual respect” and economic collaboration rather than dependency.
During his Kenya visit, Macron also held bilateral talks with President William Ruto and oversaw the signing of several agreements between Kenya and France in sectors including transport, agriculture and energy.
Still, the French president’s presence in Kenya generated mixed reactions among some Africans online, with critics revisiting debates about France’s historical role in African politics and military affairs.
Macron himself has faced growing resistance in several African countries in recent years, especially in West Africa, where anti-French sentiment has intensified.
Despite the uproar, a section of Kenyans defended Bien, arguing that artists should be free to engage with world leaders and participate in international forums without being subjected to political assumptions.
Others praised the singer for using his platform to represent Kenyan creativity on a global stage, saying engagement with influential figures could open doors for African music and culture internationally.
Bien has in recent years established himself as one of East Africa’s most influential musicians following his successful solo career after Sauti Sol announced a hiatus in 2023.
His international collaborations and growing global recognition have seen him appear at major events beyond the entertainment scene.
Even as criticism continues online, the singer’s response suggests he has no regrets about attending the summit or interacting with Macron.
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