{"id":2000112649,"date":"2026-05-20T19:41:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T17:41:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/?p=2000112649"},"modified":"2026-05-20T19:41:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T17:41:27","slug":"bal-performance-kagame-meeting-in-la-finale-arsenal-victory-bien-speaks-out-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/bal-performance-kagame-meeting-in-la-finale-arsenal-victory-bien-speaks-out-video\/","title":{"rendered":"BAL performance, Kagame meeting in LA, \u201cFinale\u201d &#038; Arsenal victory \u2014 Bien speaks out (Video)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking to the media shortly after landing at Kigali International Airport on Wednesday, May 20, Bien expressed excitement about returning to Rwanda, praising Kigali\u2019s beauty, the country\u2019s peaceful atmosphere, and the growing influence of East African music and sports culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2143\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2005_50.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000112656\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Bien expressed excitement about returning to Rwanda.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cI love basketball\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m sure I\u2019m going to enjoy the games,\u201d Bien said. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The singer added that basketball remains one of his greatest passions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI don\u2019t know if there\u2019s an African artist who has played basketball more than me because I grew up playing basketball. That\u2019s my sport. So I love it and I can\u2019t wait to see what the games have in store for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2143\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2005_24.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000112658\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The singer said basketball remains one of his greatest passions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Meeting President Kagame<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s strongest champions for sports development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEvery time I meet President Kagame, it\u2019s very special to me because I look up to him as a leader and a father figure,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Bien, their discussions centered around the future of basketball in Africa and opportunities for young African athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe spoke about young basketball players and talented sportsmen and women<br>looking to take their gifts to the next level. It was a beautiful moment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2005_6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000112653\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>The singer was warmly received at the airport by the Rwandan organisers. He praised the calm and welcoming nature of Rwandans.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cKigali is what Africa should look like\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the strongest moments from Bien\u2019s interaction with journalists came when he explained why Rwanda continues to draw him back year after year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe food, man,\u201d he revealed. \u201cI just want to come eat Rwandese food, eat sombe with goat meat inside.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But beyond the cuisine, the artist said Kigali represents a vision of what modern African cities can become, following the city\u2019s innovation and development over the past three decades since the Genocide against the Tutsi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI come to Rwanda to see what Africa should look like,\u201d Bien said. \u201cFor a long time, whenever people talk about model cities, they mention Geneva and Switzerland and all these places. I\u2019m always telling people there\u2019s Kigali.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He also praised the calm and welcoming nature of Rwandans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe people are peaceful. They\u2019re amazing,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2143\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2005_15.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000112659\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of the strongest moments from Bien\u2019s interaction with journalists came when he explained why Rwanda continues to draw him back year after year.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>BAL showcases East African talent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bien hailed the BAL for assembling a predominantly East African entertainment lineup for this year\u2019s playoffs, like Ugandan sensation Joshua Baraka and Tanzania\u2019s Abigail Chams, saying the moment reflects the growing global recognition of East African music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFor a long time, East African art was made to feel like we weren\u2019t worthy of certain spaces,\u201d he said. \u201cI want to thank the BAL for proving to everybody that East Africa has heavy-hitting music.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 Ele\u00e9eh, would not be available for a planned joint performance due to commitments in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2005_4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000112654\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Arsenal, \u201cFinale,\u201d and a champion mindset<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An outspoken supporter of Arsenal F.C., Bien also opened up about his hit collaboration \u201cFinale\u201d with Tanzanian superstar Alikiba and the inspiration behind the song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Bien, the track was written with the intention of putting listeners into a \u201cchampion mindset.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI wanted to make a song that prepares people as if they\u2019re preparing for a final,\u201d he explained. \u201cWhether you\u2019re going to work, going to the gym, or preparing for life, every day could be your final.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The singer laughed while recalling how he and his wife decided to feature Arsenal supporters in the song\u2019s music video long before the club\u2019s recent success, which saw the club lift the English Premier League title after 22 years on Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDeep down, I knew this was going to be our season,\u201d he joked, adding, \u201cAnd I hate to say I\u2019m a prophet, but you can see what\u2019s happening now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Praise for Rwandan artists<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bien reserved special praise for Rwanda\u2019s music industry, calling local musicians some of the most talented in East Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He singled out Bruce Melodie as \u201cthe most talented vocalist in East Africa,\u201d while also applauding producer Element Ele\u00e9eh for capturing \u201cthe soul of East Africa\u201d through his sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The singer further revealed he has several unreleased collaborations with Mike Kayihura and other Rwandan artists, including Kivumbi King.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI love working with Rwandese musicians,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are beautiful people and very musical.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2143\" src=\"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2005_11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2000112651\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hinting at a solo Kigali concert<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI would love to come and do a Bien show and invite all my brothers I\u2019ve collaborated with over the years,\u201d he said, hinting at future plans for a standalone Kigali concert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sports, music and Africa\u2019s future<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMusic and sport are the two things that unite people the most,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThese events empower youth and show them that sports can become a viable career path.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTo East Africans, we are now global ambassadors,\u201d Bien said. \u201cAll we need to do is keep telling our story and keep making great music.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe show is going to be amazing,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m here with my entire crew and I can\u2019t wait to come and give and share.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch the full video of Bien&#8217;s interaction with journalists in Kigali below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"BAL showdown, meeting Kagame in LA, \u201cFinale\u201d &amp; Arsenal victory | Singer Bien speaks out\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GIQBmt9MIfc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kenyan music star Bien-Aim\u00e9 Baraza has arrived in Kigali ahead of his highly anticipated performance during the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs at BK Arena, promising fans an unforgettable experience as basketball and music collide on one of Africa\u2019s biggest sporting stages.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000112660,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[151,70],"byline":[192],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-2000112649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-editors-choice","tag-main-home-ighlight","byline-wycliffe-nyamasege"],"bylines":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default avatar","caption":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","sizes":[]},"user_id":131}],"contributors":[{"id":192,"name":"Wycliffe Nyamasege","slug":"wycliffe-nyamasege","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default 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