Bien takes aim at Sabato, says he’s still healing from the past
Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza has weighed in on the viral drama surrounding content creator Sabato Sabato, who was recently mocked after an old video of him singing resurfaced online.
In a late-night interview on Thursday, 5 June 2025, Bien didn’t mince his words, delivering a sharp response to Sabato’s long history of online criticism toward Kenyan musicians.
Critics build nothing
Bien questioned Sabato’s credibility as a critic, pointing out that many people who tear others down have little to show for themselves.
“Never take criticism from someone who has never built anything in their life,” Bien stated during the interview.
He added that Sabato’s aggressive approach to critiquing artists likely stems from unhealed wounds tied to his personal failures in the music industry.
Unhealed wounds exposed
Bien went on to suggest that Sabato’s bitterness might have deep personal roots.
“Ukiona mtu amepiga pang’anga sana ana shusha watu chini mchunguze atokako ju bado hajaheal,” Bien said in Swahili, loosely translating to, “When you see someone talking too much and putting others down, investigate where they come from; I know he hasn’t healed yet”.
The viral clip of Sabato attempting to sing has led to backlash from several artistes, including Khaligraph Jones, Femi One, and producer Vince on the Beat, many of whom have previously been targets of Sabato’s content.
Bien, however, opted for a more reflective approach, implying that Sabato’s criticisms are less about the music industry and more about his internal battles.
Call for grace
Despite his strong words, Bien’s tone also carried a note of empathy. He encouraged audiences to recognise that sometimes, criticism stems from pain.
“He’s clearly talented in content creation, but he needs healing,” Bien noted. “You can’t keep tearing people down because your own journey didn’t take off.”
The wave of responses has sparked a broader conversation about the ethics of criticism in Kenya’s digital entertainment space.
While fans enjoy blunt commentary, many public figures are now calling for boundaries and emotional awareness when addressing creative work.
As the dust settles, Bien’s comments have added depth to the conversation, reminding both fans and critics that behind every voice online is a personal story, sometimes marked by hurt and disappointment.
Artistes join the banter
Other artistes also weighed in on the viral video. Rapper Femi One, frequently targeted by Sabato’s critiques, posting a playful silhouette dance video that implied Sabato’s voice was now stuck in her head, a light-hearted jab without mentioning him directly.
Rapper Khaligraph Jones also delivered a sharper response, using Sabato’s own catchphrase in a sarcastic and humorous jab:
“Tangazo Maalum, Sauti ya Ground inasema Goshoree imedondoka pale kwa YouTube but hiyo sio point yangu, Ni moto kama pasi si ya Kishebedu, sauti ya ground imekubali.”
Producer Vince on the Beat, who has appeared in several critical videos on Sabato’s channel, expressed his frustrations but extended goodwill, saying he is the most hated person on Sabato’s channel with up to six videos attacking his craft.
He added that Sabato’s bitterness likely comes from personal struggles but encouraged him to stop the hate and offered to help him shape his music career, acknowledging the pain behind the criticism.
