Former Sauti Sol member Bien-Aimé Barasa has found himself at the centre of his first major controversy of 2025 after being accused of lifting a song idea from a legendary Burundian musician who died nearly three decades ago.
Bien, celebrated for his songwriting prowess and smooth vocals, was recently put on the spot by a section of Burundians who claim he copied a chorus from the late Canjo Amissi, a revered icon in Burundi’s music history.
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According to many Burundians, Bien allegedly borrowed heavily from Amissi’s timeless hit Umugabo W’ukuri, a classic that has dominated the region’s airwaves for the past 29 years.
They argue that the chorus bears striking resemblance to the one Bien used in his new release, 13th November 2025, which he uploaded on YouTube on November 13 and has since garnered over 4,000 views.
The accusations sparked outrage online, with many Burundians taking to social media to call Bien a “thief” and accusing him of disrespecting their cultural heritage.
Critics insisted that the singer should have contacted Amissi’s family to seek permission before using the chorus.
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Amid the heated backlash, L’amicale Des Musiciens Du Burundi (Association of Singers in Burundi) stepped in to mediate the situation.
The association revealed that Bien eventually reached out to Canjo Amissi’s family, paving the way for dialogue.
Nairobi News understands that after several discussions between Bien and the late musician’s family, the parties reached an amicable agreement, a move that brought clarity and demonstrated respect for Amissi’s legacy.
Following the resolution, Burundians softened their stance and many returned to social media to express goodwill, offering Bien their blessings and wishing success for his latest project.
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