Kenyan superstar Bien, formerly of the acclaimed Sauti Sol, has given aspiring musicians a massive opportunity. He has launched a high-stakes Open Verse Challenge for his recent hit single, ‘All My Enemies Are Suffering’. The grand prize? A staggering Ksh 130,000.
Since its release, ‘All My Enemies Are Suffering’ has been a huge success. The song’s blend of Afro-Pop and Afro-Gospel has resonated widely, making it a staple on playlists across East and West Africa.
The track has already sparked several dance challenges and earned high praise for its infectious beat and uplifting message.
Now, Bien is looking to inject new life and talent into the track by opening up a verse for a remix.
The ‘Open Verse Challenge’ is a direct call to rappers, singers, and songwriters to show off their skills. Participants are tasked with creating a brand new verse for the song.
The concept is simple: take the existing instrumental and use the designated blank space to record a verse that complements Bien’s original track.
Download the official instrumental with the missing verse then record a verse (singing or rapping) that fits the song’s theme and flow, post the video or audio to their chosen social media platform and finally use the official challenge hashtag to ensure the submission is seen.
The Ksh 130,000 cash prize is a significant incentive, especially for emerging artists looking to fund their next project or invest in their music career.
“I want to hear what Africa’s rising talent has to say on this track. This isn’t just about a challenge; it’s about discovering the next big voice,” Bien reportedly stated.
Beyond the cash, the winner is expected to get a feature on the official remix of ‘All My Enemies Are Suffering’, giving them instant exposure to Bien’s vast global audience.
The challenge is not just about musical talent; it is also about creativity, stage presence, and the ability to capture an audience.
Bien and his team will be looking for a verse that stands out for several reasons: A verse that adds meaning to the song’s ‘triumphant’ narrative, technical skill, unique tone, clear expression and the ability to get fans and followers excited about the submission.
The Open Verse Challenge is more than a competition; it is a major audition for an artist hoping to make a name for themselves on the African music scene. Submissions are already pouring in, showcasing a diverse range of talent from across the continent.
Written by Erastus Omondi, TV47