The BAL Playoffs are scheduled to run from May 22 to May 31, 2026, in Kigali, with Bien officially confirmed as one of the headline halftime performers during the tournament.
Speaking to the media shortly after landing at Kigali International Airport on Wednesday, May 20, Bien expressed excitement about returning to Rwanda, praising Kigali’s beauty, the country’s peaceful atmosphere, and the growing influence of East African music and sports culture.
“I love basketball”
The former member of the popular Sauti Sol boy band, which announced an indefinite hiatus in 2023, said his connection to the BAL goes beyond music, revealing that basketball has been part of his life since childhood.
“I’m sure I’m going to enjoy the games,” Bien said. “I was in Johannesburg a couple of weeks ago, and I really enjoyed the games, especially watching the Rwanda team. They really brought a good game.”
The singer added that basketball remains one of his greatest passions.
“I don’t know if there’s an African artist who has played basketball more than me because I grew up playing basketball. That’s my sport. So I love it and I can’t wait to see what the games have in store for us.”
Meeting President Kagame
Bien also reflected on his meeting with Paul Kagame during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles earlier this year, describing the Rwandan leader as one of Africa’s strongest champions for sports development.
“Every time I meet President Kagame, it’s very special to me because I look up to him as a leader and a father figure,” he said.
According to Bien, their discussions centered around the future of basketball in Africa and opportunities for young African athletes.
“We spoke about young basketball players and talented sportsmen and women
looking to take their gifts to the next level. It was a beautiful moment.”
“Kigali is what Africa should look like”
One of the strongest moments from Bien’s interaction with journalists came when he explained why Rwanda continues to draw him back year after year.
“The food, man,” he revealed. “I just want to come eat Rwandese food, eat sombe with goat meat inside.”
But beyond the cuisine, the artist said Kigali represents a vision of what modern African cities can become, following the city’s innovation and development over the past three decades since the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Kigali is widely recognised for its clean and well-organised urban planning, efficient public services, strong emphasis on safety and order, and relatively smooth traffic management.
The city has also built a reputation for environmental cleanliness, supported by innovative sanitation policies and community-driven cleanliness efforts, alongside a growing reputation as a regional hub for conferences, technology, and creative industries.
“I come to Rwanda to see what Africa should look like,” Bien said. “For a long time, whenever people talk about model cities, they mention Geneva and Switzerland and all these places. I’m always telling people there’s Kigali.”
He also praised the calm and welcoming nature of Rwandans.
“The people are peaceful. They’re amazing,” he added.
BAL showcases East African talent
Bien hailed the BAL for assembling a predominantly East African entertainment lineup for this year’s playoffs, like Ugandan sensation Joshua Baraka and Tanzania’s Abigail Chams, saying the moment reflects the growing global recognition of East African music.
“For a long time, East African art was made to feel like we weren’t worthy of certain spaces,” he said. “I want to thank the BAL for proving to everybody that East Africa has heavy-hitting music.”
The artist also expressed excitement about sharing the stage with fellow regional stars, while revealing disappointment that Rwandan producer Mugisha Fred Robinson, better known as Element Eleéeh, would not be available for a planned joint performance due to commitments in the United States.
Arsenal, “Finale,” and a champion mindset
An outspoken supporter of Arsenal F.C., Bien also opened up about his hit collaboration “Finale” with Tanzanian superstar Alikiba and the inspiration behind the song.
According to Bien, the track was written with the intention of putting listeners into a “champion mindset.”
“I wanted to make a song that prepares people as if they’re preparing for a final,” he explained. “Whether you’re going to work, going to the gym, or preparing for life, every day could be your final.”
The singer laughed while recalling how he and his wife decided to feature Arsenal supporters in the song’s music video long before the club’s recent success, which saw the club lift the English Premier League title after 22 years on Tuesday.
“Deep down, I knew this was going to be our season,” he joked, adding, “And I hate to say I’m a prophet, but you can see what’s happening now.”
Praise for Rwandan artists
Bien reserved special praise for Rwanda’s music industry, calling local musicians some of the most talented in East Africa.
He singled out Bruce Melodie as “the most talented vocalist in East Africa,” while also applauding producer Element Eleéeh for capturing “the soul of East Africa” through his sound.
The singer further revealed he has several unreleased collaborations with Mike Kayihura and other Rwandan artists, including Kivumbi King.
“I love working with Rwandese musicians,” he said. “They are beautiful people and very musical.”
Hinting at a solo Kigali concert
Although he has previously performed in Kigali alongside Sauti Sol, Bien admitted he has yet to stage a major solo concert in Rwanda under his own name.
“I would love to come and do a Bien show and invite all my brothers I’ve collaborated with over the years,” he said, hinting at future plans for a standalone Kigali concert.
Sports, music and Africa’s future
Beyond entertainment, Bien spoke passionately about the economic power of sports and music, saying events such as the BAL can create opportunities for young Africans across the continent.
Reflecting on his experience attending the NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, he said witnessing the economy built around sports and entertainment inspired him to think more deeply about Africa’s potential.
“Music and sport are the two things that unite people the most,” he said.
“These events empower youth and show them that sports can become a viable career path.”
He also argued that East African music is currently enjoying one of its strongest moments yet, with regional artists increasingly dominating charts across Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.
“To East Africans, we are now global ambassadors,” Bien said. “All we need to do is keep telling our story and keep making great music.”
As the BAL Playoffs prepare to tip off at BK Arena, Bien says he is ready to deliver both energy and soul to fans in Kigali.
“The show is going to be amazing,” he said. “I’m here with my entire crew and I can’t wait to come and give and share.”
Watch the full video of Bien’s interaction with journalists in Kigali below.
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