Former Sauti Sol’s Bien-Aimé Baraza has sparked fresh conversation online after declaring that he identifies as Gen Z—despite being born in 1987 and squarely fitting into the millennial bracket.
Speaking during an appearance on That Zed Podcast, the award-winning artist explained that, for him, generational identity has less to do with age and more to do with evolution, mindset, and where he is in his career today.
“It’s Not About Birth Year, It’s About How You Feel Inside”
Bien said he relates more to Gen Z culture, energy, and approach to life, noting that he feels “younger” in this new phase of his artistry.
“Being Gen Z isn’t about birth year but how you feel inside,” he said.
“I’ve had two parts in my career. In the beginning, I was Sauti Sol—and now I am Bien. The Bien part of my career is still a toddler. And Sauti Sol is the millennial part. As Bien, I am Gen Z.”
His comments were met with a mix of amusement, debate, and curiosity from fans, many of whom found the statement both humorous and reflective of the experimental approach he has embraced since launching his solo career.
Fan Reactions and Public Conversation
Bien’s claim has generated mixed reactions online. Some fans found his reasoning playful and relatable, joking that he had “downloaded Gen Z software.”
Others saw it as a meaningful reflection of how artists can evolve, reinvent themselves, and embrace new phases regardless of age.
The conversation highlights a broader cultural observation: generational labels are increasingly being seen as fluid, influenced by mindset, values, and creativity, rather than strictly by birth year.
@off white “‘The most millennial thing to say 😂😂 anyways tunamkaribisha 🙌😂.”
@hon _emmanuelthiane ”young soul old blood 🙌.”
@j_code_254 ”it’s definitely about the birth year dude🙄.”
Gen Z vs. Millennials: Understanding the Difference
Bien’s statement also touches on generational culture.
Millennials (Gen Y), born roughly between 1981 and 1996, grew up alongside the rise of the internet and social media. They are often described as adaptive, experience-driven, and transitioning between analog and digital eras.
Generation Z (Gen Z), born approximately between 1997 and 2012, are the first generation fully immersed in digital technology from birth. They are characterized as tech-savvy, expressive, socially conscious, and entrepreneurial.
Bien frames his identification as Gen Z not by birth, but by the mindset and energy he brings to his solo work.
Whereas Sauti Sol represents the collaborative, experienced, and millennial phase of his career, “Bien” embodies creativity, experimentation, and the youthful openness associated with Gen Z.
BY Judy mutinda
