CHIKI OPENS UP ABOUT DOUBTS PEOPLE HAD WHEN SHE BECAME BIEN’S MANAGER

Chiki Kuruka, the wife and manager of Sauti Sol’s Bien-Aimé Baraza, has talked about managing one of Kenya’s most celebrated musicians. 

In a post, Chiki addressed the initial skepticism surrounding her role as Bien’s manager and celebrated his recent win at the Trace Awards, where Bien was crowned Best Male Artist in East Africa. Chiki’s post began with a powerful quote by Willie Nelson: “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” 

She then reflected on the challenges they faced when she took on Bien’s management after Sauti Sol announced their hiatus. “I took on your management when the nation’s sweethearts went on hiatus. I remember so many blogs saying things like ‘what would she know’, ‘wives should be left out of these things’, ‘they will break up for sure now’,” she wrote.

She said that they chose to ignore the noise and focus on their goals. “Through it all, we ignored the noise. Looked forward. Held hands, and focused. The @traceeasternafrica @traceawards was beautiful, and I have so many of our fellow East Africans in and out of our category to thank. That will come,” she shared.

Chiki took a moment to honour Bien for his dedication and talent. “Today I just honour the king you are! The hard worker you are, the musician you are, the pen man you are, the mentor you are, the teacher you are, the friend you are. Because you, my darling, are everything. Congratulations @bienaimesol. You brought it home.”