So Finale~ Ian Steve writes...
Just like Sipangwingwi by XRay and Trio Mio became the unofficial anthem of the Kenya Kwanza in 2022, it appears President William Ruto has set his sights on a new banger to soundtrack his political machinery.
And this time, the target is Finale by Bien featuring Alikiba. The writing is already on the wall.
It started with what looked like a small declaration. In a vlog, Ruto casually announced that Finale is his favourite song, a textbook politician move. Endear yourself to the youth, speak their language, hum their tunes. Classic.
Then today in Mombasa, the script got a little more theatrical. Speaker Kingi and CS Joho stood together and introduced Ruto to the podium with Finale blasting in the background. Of course, both of them mouthing the lyrics word for word as the President danced his way into the crowd's energy. If that was not a statement of intent, nothing is.
Now Ruto is wielding the slogan "Watatii Finale" at his opponents, and just like that, Bien's masterpiece is being absorbed into the political bloodstream.
Anyway, if memory serves right, Sauti Sol once found themselves in a messy tangle with Raila Odinga's NASA coalition over the unauthorised use of one of their songs during campaigns.
That episode left a sour taste, and the question now hanging in the air is will Bien follow the same road, or will the baldheaded genius let this one slide?
Because Kenyans, bless their souls, do not take these things lightly. The intersection of music and politics in this country is a minefield, and fans on both sides of the political divide will have sharp opinions.
But also here there is the other side of the coin and it is a side Bien might quietly appreciate.
Finale already had its moment in the sun through its deep association with sports. Now, with politics throwing it into every rally, from here to 2027, the song is on course to become one of the most streamed records in Kenyan YouTube history.
Sometimes a rising tide lifts all boats, even when the captain of that tide is a politician you did not exactly invite aboard.
Baldman Bien is going to reap big either way. But how he navigates the politics of it all? That will be a story worth watching with a very large bag of popcorn.