Bien Aime opens up about family hardships following his father's job loss: ‘We were drowning in debt’
Bien Aime Alusa has always been candid about his upbringing, sharing both the highs and lows of his childhood. He grew up in the affluent neighborhood of Kilimani during a time when his father held a prestigious job. Bien recalls how his father and friends would often host parties, generously inviting neighbors to join in.
“I grew up in the lush area of Kilimani, where my dad exuded alpha male energy, both in his masculinity and financially. He and his friends frequently hosted parties,” Bien shared.
His father was also known for his philanthropy, offering financial assistance to struggling students for school fees and helping others with rent. Despite his generosity, Bien’s father always put others first, often giving advice along with the help he provided.
Bien and his sister benefited from their father’s financial stability, attending some of the best boarding schools, which came at a high cost. However, their fortunes took a sharp turn when his father lost his job. Without a backup plan or savings, the family’s situation deteriorated rapidly.
During a recent media tour in Nigeria to promote his song “Wahala,” Bien revealed that witnessing his father’s decline into poverty after years of wealth became a driving force behind his own hard work. He described how his father, once vibrant, became despondent, spending days on the verandah reading the Bible and talking to himself.
This experience profoundly affected Bien, making him determined never to waste money on unimportant things. He vividly remembers the time when the family was so deeply in debt that they could no longer borrow from their neighbors.
“We had debt all over the neighborhood; we couldn’t borrow anymore. That was rock bottom,” Bien recalled.
As a result, Bien is careful with his finances, avoiding extravagance like popping bottles in clubs or flaunting money online. The experience changed his relationship with money, instilling in him the importance of delayed gratification.
“I save. You’re never going to hear a story of Bien popping bottles in a club,” he emphasized.
