Kenyan singer and songwriter Bien has unveiled a new artist-focused initiative aimed at giving fast-rising local musicians the support they need to transition from promise to long-term success.
In partnership with Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) through its flagship Tusker brand, Bien has launched Base to Billboardz (B2B) — a structured career accelerator designed to help semi-established Kenyan artists sharpen their craft, understand the business of music, and access opportunities that can elevate them to the next level.
Unlike talent competitions or cash-prize formats, Base to Billboardz is intentionally built as a development platform, targeting artists who already show momentum but lack the mentorship, structure, and industry backing required to break into mainstream stardom.
Eligible artists are expected to have released a body of work such as an EP or album, gained live performance experience, achieved at least one million career streams, and built a growing digital following.
At the heart of the initiative is Bien’s commitment to giving back to the industry that shaped him. Having navigated the complexities of the music journey himself, the award-winning artist says the platform is rooted in the support he wishes had existed when he was starting out.
“Base to Billboardz is deeply personal,” Bien said. “These artists are already doing the work. What they need is guidance, visibility, and belief. This platform allows me to share what I’ve learned and help them reach levels they once only dreamed of.”
The programme will begin by identifying 30 artists from across the country, shortlisted by Bien in collaboration with a panel of industry experts representing diverse musical backgrounds. Through public participation and further expert evaluation, the list will be narrowed down to six artists who will form the inaugural Base to Billboardz cohort.
From February to July 2026, the selected artists will undergo an intensive six-month development programme, led by Bien alongside three additional coaches. The journey will include weekly mentorship workshops focusing on vocals, songwriting, performance, and movement, complemented by monthly masterclasses covering the business and commercial aspects of the music industry.
According to Christine Kariuki, Head of Mainstream Beer at KBL, the initiative aligns with Tusker’s long-standing support of Kenyan culture and creative expression.
“Our goal is to help homegrown talent move from local stages to global platforms. By supporting artists through platforms like Base to Billboardz, we are investing in the future of Kenyan music,” she said.
A defining outcome of the programme will see the six artists come together to form a musical collective, culminating in the release of a joint album, which will be unveiled at a high-profile launch event.
Base to Billboardz launches at a time when Kenyan music continues to gain traction both locally and internationally. However, many semi-established artists still struggle to sustain careers due to limited access to mentorship, industry knowledge, and commercial support.
By prioritising artist development over competition, the programme aims to bridge this gap, empowering musicians with the tools, confidence, and networks needed to build sustainable careers while strengthening Kenya’s creative economy.
By KenyanVibe