Touching souls through music

Caroline Mutoko [Photos: Pius Cheruiyot/Standard]

CAROLINE MUTUKO, 26, is a gospel artiste who also has a unique taste in fashion. She spoke to ALLAN OLINGO about her first love, music and her attachment to fashion design

What drives you every morning?

For any new day, I realise that it’s God-given opportunity to fulfil His purpose in my life through my music, fashion and design. The God-given purpose, the gift of life and knowing that I will touch people in a different way is my drive.

Why gospel music?

Having been brought up in a Christian family, I was a member of the worship team in my church. We would be trained on vocals and playing instruments. The desire to get into the gospel industry was deepened by the fact that I would attend all gospel gigs in town and later, I would imitate them. One day, a group in the worship team wanted to record a song and I decided to join them. That is when I did my first song Naamini. Since then, I have not looked back. I also have two other albums Nataka and Big God.

What inspired you?

I had a firm Christian background that gave me an opportunity to listen to gospel artists like Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin and Cece Winans among others. Back at home, artistes like Rufftone and Henry Mutuko were a great inspiration. I used to cut their pictures from newspapers and hang them on my wall and hoped that someday, I would be like them.  I also felt the need to inspire and touch people through my music.

How did you end up as a designer?

I was very girly as I grew up and I used to dress my dolls all the time. My mum would get pissed at me because I would cut my clothes to make outfits for my dolls. That is how my affair with fashion started. So far, I have been able to establish my own clothesline. I design T-shirts, handbags, accessories and modern African outfits.

Any artistes you have dressed?

By God’s grace I have dressed gospel artists such as Ekodyda, Jimmy Gait and Esther Wahome for their video shoots and even for their casual wear. As we speak, am working on Kenyan branded T-shirts for two Blackburn Rovers players (England). Am also working on orders for my clients in US for sundresses for the summer season. I have a shop in town (Nairobi) on Tubman Lane opposite Jamia Mall.

Which artistes did you look up to?

I love Mary Mary because they really inspire me with their style, passion in music and their fashion sense. I also look up to Esther Wahome and have been privileged to work with her. She has been my mentor and I respect her music and admire her passion for God. She also has a great sense of fashion.

What inspires you to write your songs?

I draw my inspiration mostly from God through my daily devotions and also in my day-to-day life experiences. If I can mention, the song Big God came at a period when I was going through a tough season. The obvious expectation was to sing a sad song but I decided to sing one of faith and praise to my God for lifting me out of the situation.

What did you do after school?

After my ‘O’ levels, I went to the Kenya Music of Conservatoire School to study music.

Any challenges so far?

I have had many experiences with my music and they have been a lesson. My fan-base, comprised of the youth, love a lot of hype music, so I have to choose the right songs for them. On the other hand, the mature crowd will expect you to dress up decently. If you don’t, they might not even want to listen to your music, no matter how good it is. Finances have also been a challenge and this has, at times, made me slow down on my goals.

How have you managed through all this?

Through God’s grace I have managed. I am a person who writes down my goals and crosses them out as I achieve each of them. God has come through for me and even sent people to take care of my needs. That’s how I manage to get my albums and videos out.

What have been the high moments of your career?

My highest moments have been sharing the platform with artistes like Kirk Franklin and Chevelle Franklin. I have also performed in Rwanda and Uganda. Another high moment was when one of my songs Nipe Nguvu was nominated for Groove Awards as ‘’Worship song of the year’. My other song Big God has also been nominated for video song of the year in Mwafaka Awards.

What would you advise anyone who wants to take your career path?

It’s not an easy road but with a focused and an open mind, you can make it. You have to be ready to learn and keep experimenting new ways of doing things. The bottom line is to trust in the Lord and He will open the doors for you.