Nviiri The Storyteller and Bien unfollow each other

Kenyan musicians Nviiri the Storyteller and Bien have sparked speculation online after fans noticed that the two artistes have unfollowed each other on Instagram amid growing public differences over social and political issues.

Nviiri, who was previously signed under Bien’s music label, has in recent months appeared to distance himself from the singer as their contrasting opinions continue to play out publicly.

Fallout over NACADA alcohol ad debate

The apparent tension between the two artistes became more noticeable during recent discussions surrounding proposals by National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to restrict alcohol advertising in Kenya.

Nviiri publicly supported the proposed crackdown, arguing in favour of tighter controls and raising concerns about the impact of alcohol promotion within communities.

Bien, however, criticised the proposals, warning that restrictions on alcohol advertising could negatively affect creatives, entertainers, and the wider advertising industry that depends heavily on brand sponsorships.

The debate later escalated online when Bien became involved in a heated exchange with singer Otile Brown over the issue.

At the time, many fans observed that Nviiri appeared to side more closely with Otile Brown’s position. The two musicians were later seen together in studio sessions reportedly working on new music.

Macron meeting deepens divide

Speculation about a growing rift intensified further after Bien’s appearance at events linked to French President Emmanuel Macron during the recent Africa Forward Summit.

Bien had been among Kenyan artistes involved in summit-related performances and cultural engagements, including interactions with Macron.

Shortly afterwards, Nviiri shared strongly worded statements criticising African artistes who align themselves with governments and foreign systems he believes represent neo-colonial influence on the continent.

Without directly naming Bien, Nviiri argued that African artistes should not become “decoration for power” or public-relations tools for institutions tied to historical exploitation in Africa.

Fans react online

The discovery that the two artistes no longer follow each other on Instagram quickly triggered reactions online, with fans debating whether the move signals a deeper fallout or simply reflects professional and ideological differences.

Some supporters argued that creatives are allowed to hold different political and social views without damaging personal relationships, while others interpreted the social media move as evidence of growing tension between the former collaborators.

Neither Bien nor Nviiri has publicly addressed the unfollowing directly.