Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – INTERVIEW: Bien On Growing Up In Kenya, Breaking East African Stereotypes, Marrying His Manager, New Album + More

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Breakfast Club
• Host: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God
• Guest: Bien (also referred to as Pepe)
• Episode Title: INTERVIEW: Bien On Growing Up In Kenya, Breaking East African Stereotypes, Marrying His Manager, New Album + More
• Release Date: May 26, 2025

1. Introduction to Bien's Success and Current Tour

The episode kicks off with DJ Envy enthusiastically introducing Bien, also known as Pepe, highlighting his recent achievements.

• [02:15] Pepe: “I'm doing great. I'm having an amazing time in New York. Just sold out the shows the other night and so now I'm in the Best of the Breakfast Club. So this is a big deal for me, guys.”

Bien shares his excitement about his ongoing tour, emphasizing the sell-out performances across multiple states.

• [02:28] Pepe: “Yes, I'm on tour currently. I'm doing 10 states and I just played New York two nights ago, playing Atlanta tomorrow and we're sold out everywhere.”

2. Album Discussion: "Alusa" and Its Significance

The conversation transitions to Bien's latest album, "Alusa," delving into its meaning and the artistic choices he made.

• [02:44] Pepe: “Alusa. Yes. Alusa as my name is known in my village. So, Alusa, why are you topless?”

When questioned about his unique stage presence, Bien explains his choice to embody freedom and audacity through his appearance.

• [02:52] Pepe: “But being topless is freedom. Being topless is audacity. And in this phase of my career and where I'm at right now, I need that audacity to be with me every day.”

Despite playful banter from the hosts, Bien maintains that his styling is a reflection of his artistic freedom and confidence.

3. Transition from Boy Band to Solo Artist

Bien provides insight into his musical journey, from being part of a boy band to establishing himself as a solo artist.

• [06:09] Pepe: “So previously in my other life, I was in a band. I was in a boy band and the band was called Saudi Soul. Saudi Soul means in Swahili, voices of the sun.”

After a 20-year hiatus, Bien and his bandmates decided to explore solo careers to bring fresh perspectives to their music.

• [06:37] Pepe: “Just trying something new, you know, after doing something for a long time, I think it was time for us to try and see what the other side looks like. And it's been beautiful so far.”

Bien highlights that his bandmates are still actively creating music, supporting each other’s endeavors.

• [07:05] Pepe: “They're making music. They're doing interesting things. My brother Polycup just launched his guitar Jawah, which is an amazing guitar...”

4. Breaking East African Stereotypes in the Music Industry

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the challenges and efforts to elevate East African music in the global arena.

• [07:30] Pepe: “There’s many aspects to it, including the fact that it's just never been funded. Any music that you hear in the west is marketing dollars spent to get that music there. So for a long time, East Africa hasn't had that limelight.”

Bien contrasts the success of Nigerian artists in the diaspora with the underrepresentation of East African musicians.

• [08:02] Pepe: “Being the biggest artist in Kenya is nowhere close. Being the biggest artist in the US when you win in the US you win in the world.”

He emphasizes the need for East African artists to secure a foothold in the U.S. market to achieve global recognition.

5. Early Life and Musical Inspiration in Kenya

Bien shares his upbringing in Kenya and the foundational experiences that shaped his passion for music.

• [08:37] Pepe: “Yes. I was like, maybe five or six. I was watching Bob Marley's song Iron Lion Zion, and that's the first time I was like, wow, what is this? Like, I feel like doing this thing.”

Joining the church choir provided Bien with a platform to hone his musical talents, which he credits as essential to his development.

• [08:56] Pepe: “I joined the choir in church. And I always say the church is the best artist development program in the world because that's where all the great musicians, especially for black music, come from.”

6. Overcoming Cultural Expectations and Pursuing Music

Navigating familial and societal expectations, Bien discusses his commitment to music despite potential pushback.

• [09:19] Pepe: “My mom said, as long as you finish school, as long as you finish college, you can do whatever you want. And music has been a kind master to me.”

Balancing education and passion, Bien managed to fund his studies through his early music career.

• [09:41] Pepe: “Music paid me through college. I put on my first single with Saudi Soul when I was a freshman. And just like that, my life changed.”

7. Aspirations to Collaborate with American Artists

Bien expresses his desire to collaborate with prominent American musicians, citing inspirations and potential partnerships.

• [10:42] Jess: “Have you ever had any big dreams of working with any American artists?”

• [10:46] Pepe: “Yes. Tons of them. I'm a big fan of, of course, Beyonce. I think her excellence is everything... I love Coco Jones... Two Chains... Anybody who's willing to work, I'm willing to work with as well.”

Such collaborations are seen as pivotal for bridging East African music with the mainstream Western audience.

8. Cultural Influences and Authenticity in Music

Bien emphasizes the importance of maintaining his Kenyan identity and cultural influences within his music.

• [11:24] Pepe: “Growing up in Kenya is beautiful because we are situated in a part of Africa that is very cosmopolitan. So we get American influence. We also get Arabian influence... I am the most Kenyan man you're ever gonna meet in your life.”

He asserts that authenticity is key to his artistry, resisting the urge to conform to mainstream expectations.

• [11:58] Pepe: “Every time I try conforming, I feel miserably, so I don't try anymore. And also, I've been in the game for so long right now, and I don't have the pressure to please anybody, so I'm just doing me.”

9. Challenges Facing East African Artists

The conversation delves into the structural and financial challenges hindering East African musicians from gaining global prominence.

• [12:39] Pepe: “A little bit of conforming without losing yourself in the process and selling out isn't bad.”

He discusses the delicate balance between staying true to his roots and adapting to global market demands.

• [13:00] Pepe: “I know you love Afrobeats. You've been pushing us for a minute. All of you, by the way, have.”

Bien encourages American artists to explore and embrace the rich, diverse sounds of the African continent.

• [13:56] Pepe: “I haven't seen an American artist blow in Kenya, like in my village, the same way 50 Cent did eons ago...”

10. The Impact of 50 Cent and Current Trends in African Music

Reflecting on past influences, Bien credits 50 Cent's authenticity and musical impact as a benchmark for success.

• [14:03] Pepe: “50 is just that. He's 50.”

Contrasting the past with present trends, Bien notes a lack of similar influential figures in the current East African music scene.

• [14:17] DJ Envy: “Kids were mimicking back then, bro.”

11. Personal Life: Marriage to His Manager

Bien opens up about his personal life, specifically his marriage to Chiki Zaruka, who also manages his career.

• [17:12] Pepe: “She's also my manager. It's beautiful. It's been by far the most rewarding experience of my life.”

Their partnership is portrayed as mutually supportive, blending personal and professional lives seamlessly.

• [17:21] Pepe: “We've been together 11 years and she managed me for only the last two years. During that entire time, we were just husband and wife.”

12. Addressing Polygamy and Cultural Traditions

The hosts engage Bien in a discussion about polygamy, reflecting on its cultural significance and personal choices.

• [27:12] Pepe: “Constitutionally, in Kenya, you're allowed. Do I want another wife? No. I don't got you. Yeah. Not now.”

Bien shares insights into his polygamous upbringing, emphasizing the societal and economic reasons behind the tradition.

• [27:35] Pepe: “I come from a polygamous family. My dad has 10 kids from 6 different women.”

He advocates for understanding polygamy beyond Western perceptions, highlighting its communal benefits in certain contexts.

13. Future Projects and Invitations

Bien discusses upcoming projects, including his new album "Alusa Continua" and plans to shoot music videos.

• [22:10] Pepe: “I have a new album coming out soon titled Alusa Continua.”

He also extends an invitation to the hosts and listeners to visit Kenya, showcasing his pride in his homeland.

• [32:07] Pepe: “I welcome you guys to Kenya. If you guys ever land in Kenya.”

14. The Potential Africa Grammys and Economic Considerations

The topic shifts to the Grammys' bid to host an Africa edition in Kenya, exploring its potential impact and economic implications.

• [22:38] Pepe: “The Grammys are doing an Africa Grammys, like the same way we have the Latin Grammys...”

He acknowledges the controversy surrounding the financial aspects but remains hopeful about its long-term benefits for the music industry in Kenya.

• [23:44] Pepe: “Because I'm an artist and I understand what it's going to do for my constituency for my people.”

15. Reflections on Kenyan Society and Future Outlook

Bien shares his observations on the current state of Kenya, expressing both concerns and optimism for the future.

• [24:45] Pepe: “I think it's important for us to know that... I have more faith in the children who are coming than their leadership in terms of the power they used to oppress.”

He underscores the resilience and fighting spirit of Kenyans, reaffirming his belief in the nation's potential.

• [26:10] Pepe: “Kenyans are fighters. Africans are fighters. And the people of Africa will keep the lights on.”

16. Closing Remarks and Fan Engagement

The episode wraps up with Bien engaging in light-hearted interactions with the hosts, sharing promotional memorabilia and reinforcing his connection with the audience.

• [32:53] Pepe: “Man. But, you know, I took it with stride. It's become my thing now.”

He directs listeners to his Instagram for tour details and upcoming projects.

• [34:17] Pepe: “You can go on my Instagram... There's a link for the tickets. I'm playing Ohio next. I'm playing Atlanta next. I'm sold out in pretty much every place.”

Notable Quotes:

1. On Musical Authenticity:

   • [11:28] Pepe: “I am the most Kenyan man you're ever gonna meet in your life. My isms, my accent, my music, my sound is deliberately from that.”

2. On Overcoming Conformity:

   • [11:58] Pepe: “Every time I try conforming, I feel miserably, so I don't try anymore.”

3. On the Importance of the Africa Grammys:

   • [23:44] Pepe: “Because I'm an artist and I understand what it's going to do for my constituency for my people.”

4. On Kenyan Resilience:

   • [26:20] Pepe: “Kenyans are fighters. Africans are fighters. And the people of Africa will keep the lights on.”

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of The Breakfast Club, Bien provides a comprehensive look into his life as an East African artist navigating the complexities of the global music industry. From his roots in Kenya and the cultural influences that shape his music to the personal dynamics of marrying his manager, Bien offers listeners an intimate glimpse into his journey. He passionately discusses the hurdles faced by East African musicians, the importance of maintaining cultural authenticity, and his aspirations to elevate his region's presence in the mainstream music scene. Throughout the conversation, Bien's dedication to his craft and his unwavering pride in his heritage shine through, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersection of culture and music.