Kenyan music maestro Bien-Aimé Baraza has dropped his highly anticipated new music video for "All My Enemies Are Suffering," and it has instantly become a viral phenomenon. Unveiled on Thursday evening, the video rapidly trended across major platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), not just for its catchy beats, but for its audacious narrative and unexpected casting choices, particularly featuring comedian DJ Shiti and TikTok sensation Gen Z Goliath (Bradley Marongo).
The three-minute visual spectacle is far more than just a typical music video; it's a meticulously crafted piece of cinematic satire. DJ Shiti, known for his signature comedic timing, takes on a dramatically exaggerated character who finds himself in a series of hilariously unfortunate circumstances—from the indignity of losing his phone in a toilet to a frantic chase off a boda boda. His performance is a masterclass in comedic misfortune, perfectly embodying the "suffering" aspect of the title.
Complementing this, Gen Z Goliath portrays a "clueless villain," whose antics ultimately lead to his own downfall, serving as the embodiment of karma's inevitable return. Bien himself has stated that the video tells a story of "poetic justice," a nuanced take on dealing with "imaginary doubters" rather than literal enemies. This artistic interpretation elevates the video beyond a simple diss track, turning it into a relatable commentary on overcoming negativity, albeit with a humorous twist.
The public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, bordering on euphoric. Social media platforms were immediately flooded with enthusiastic praises for the video's sheer humor, its bold visual aesthetic, and its clever storytelling. Memes and reaction posts proliferated, with users specifically commending DJ Shiti's unforgettable performance and the satisfying "cinematic justice" meted out to Gen Z Goliath's humbled character. DJ Shiti, embracing the buzz, good-naturedly clarified that it's all in good fun, playfully noting Bien's "wild imagination."
While a few conservative voices raised questions about the video's tone, perceiving it as a "glorification of misfortune," the vast majority of fans quickly defended it as clear satire, celebrating its clever subversion of traditional music video tropes. Culture analyst Joy Naliaka offered insightful commentary, observing that Bien "understands the Gen Z humour economy better than most East African artists." She posited that instead of merely selling music, Bien is masterfully "creating moments"—shareable, discussable, and utterly captivating content that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.
The collaboration with DJ Shiti and Gen Z Goliath is a stroke of genius, leveraging their existing popular personas to enhance the video's relatability and virality. By casting these internet sensations in key roles, Bien not only expands his reach but also demonstrates a keen understanding of modern digital engagement. This strategic move highlights a growing trend where traditional music artistry converges with new-age content creation, blurring lines and creating unique entertainment experiences.
