Kenyan Musicians Championing Conservation: Bien and Blinky Bill Join Global Initiative
In an inspiring move towards environmental advocacy, Kenyan musicians Bien and Blinky Bill are stepping into the spotlight, using their artistry to promote conservation. They are part of a groundbreaking initiative called FEAT. NATURE, launched by the global platform Sounds Right. This innovative project allows natural sounds to officially feature in music tracks, paving the way for nature itself to be credited as a recording artist.
The Sounds Right Initiative
Sounds Right, in collaboration with the Museum for the United Nations – UN Live, has introduced FEAT. NATURE, aiming to intertwine music with nature conservation. This initiative enables musicians to include the sounds of nature in their works, while also ensuring that the royalties generated—split 50:50 between the artist and NATURE—are directly funneled into community-led conservation projects. Since its inception on streaming platforms last year, the initiative has seen over 26 million listeners across 181 countries contributing around $400,000 to preserve vital ecosystems like the Amazon and the Congo Basin.
The Power of Music and Nature
Gabriel Smales, Global Programme Director for Sounds Right – UN Live, emphasizes the dual impact of this initiative. “We’re giving artistes a simple and impactful way to credit NATURE in their music, helping restore nature’s presence in popular culture while directing new royalties to frontline conservation,” he notes. This project highlights the growing importance of integrating environmental consciousness into the arts, bridging the gap between culture and nature.
Bien and Blinky Bill: A New Wave of Artistes
Bien and Blinky Bill are part of a select group of seven African artists participating in this initiative, crafting tracks inspired by the sounds of the Congo Basin. Blinky Bill recently shared his excitement about a new release, “Kata Matin ft @nature_theartist,” which is a modern take on a Luo gospel song. “50% of the streaming royalties from this song go to conservation works in the Congo Basin. I used sounds of the Cicada from there, so if you listen intently, you will hear it,” he explained.
Following in the Footsteps of Global Icons
Bien and Blinky Bill’s efforts echo the initiatives of international music stars like Hozier, Ellie Goulding, and Bomba Estereo, who have previously collaborated with the NATURE project. Their contributions not only showcase individual artistry but also raise awareness for pressing environmental issues, illustrating how music can be a powerful tool for advocacy.
Addressing Humanity’s Disconnect from Nature
This initiative arrives at a crucial time when studies reveal a 60% decline in cultural connections to the natural world since the 1800s. Sounds Right aims to reverse this trend by reintroducing natural sounds into music, fostering a renewed appreciation for the environment. The project is particularly significant as it aligns with contemporary concerns about humanity’s increasing disconnect from nature, striving to rekindle that vital bond through the universal language of music.
New Releases Celebrating Global Ecosystems
In advance of COP30 in Brazil, Sounds Right has announced a series of 14 new releases from Latin American and African artists, all celebrating diverse ecosystems from the Amazon to the Congo Basin. Notably, Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou features in “Running Water,” blending poetry and river sounds to reflect on the deep connection between humanity and nature. This collaboration further exemplifies the project’s objective to immerse listeners in the rich tapestry of natural sounds.
Expanding the Reach of Conservation through Music
Sounds Right is committed to expanding its influence through partnerships with global artists. Brazilian DJ Alok is set to release music with NATURE in 2026, which underscores the initiative’s ambition to reach a wider audience. “Nature has always played an essential role in music, and the time has come for it to be recognized for that,” Alok has stated, reinforcing the message that music and nature are intrinsically linked.
A Call to Action through Artistry
Led by a collaborative effort of global artists, sound recordists, producers, and environmental groups, the FEAT. NATURE initiative positions music at the forefront of an international conversation focused on nature conservation and restoration. By intertwining the realms of art and environmentalism, it presents a compelling call to action, urging individuals worldwide to reflect on their relationship with the natural world.
In this era of environmental urgency, the work of Bien, Blinky Bill, and their fellow musicians is not just about creating music; it’s about weaving a narrative that places the conservation of our planet at its heart. Through this innovative approach, they are redefining what it means to be an artist in today’s world, advocating for a more harmonious relationship between culture and nature.