Media personalities and entertainers have rallied behind Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza following online backlash over his performance at the Africa Forward concert and attendance at a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The “Finale” hitmaker defended his appearance at the event, insisting that engaging with global leaders does not compromise his African identity or values.
“I can sit at a table with global leaders and still remain fully African, fully critical, and fully myself. Presence is not submission,” Bien said.
Bien’s wife, fitness trainer and choreographer Chiki Kuruka, also defended African artists who participated in the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, saying entering influential global spaces should not be viewed as betrayal.
“You cannot ask African artists to take Africa to the world, then criticise them for entering rooms where the world is shaped. It is the responsibility of politicians to fight for fair policy, it is the responsibility of artists to carry our stories across borders,” she wrote on Instagram Stories.
Musician KRG The Don also backed Bien, urging Kenyans to stop attacking the singer and suggesting some critics were jealous of his success.
Radio presenter Maina Kageni questioned why some Kenyans were unhappy with Bien representing the country at a high-profile international event, describing the opportunity as beneficial for both the artist and Kenya.
However, some Kenyans and activists criticised Bien for performing at the event, questioning the involvement of African artists in initiatives linked to foreign leaders and Western-backed programmes.
The Africa Forward Summit, held in Nairobi from May 11 to 12, 2026, featured performances by top African artistes including Fally Ipupa, Yemi Alade and Youssou N’Dour as part of efforts to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties between Africa and France.
Other artistes, including Nviiri the Storyteller, reportedly cautioned against artists becoming “decoration for power.”
Despite the backlash, some commentators praised Bien’s performance, describing him as one of Africa’s finest live performers.