Redefining performance with Kasiva Mutua

From her humble beginnings, learning to play drums by beating plates with a spoon and her chest with her tiny hands to her current status, Kasiva Mutua’s extraordinary journey has been a beacon of female empowerment in the music world.

Influenced by her grandmother’s folk tales and the sounds of nature, exploring her undying interest in drumming was not easy as the instrument was reserved for men in African culture.

Against all odds, she became a bold cultural custodian and East Africa’s leading female percussionist.

Following Kasiva’s musical journey, she has been a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Nine years ago, she co-founded Motramusic, an all-female percussion project based in Nairobi. “Motra” stands for “MOdern and TRAditional” rhythms. As the name suggests, Motramusic fuses modern and traditional drumming styles into a delicate blend that’s relatable to audiences of all ages.

Since its inception, the collective has been teaching young women the basics of percussion and drumming, encouraging them to diversify their positions in music. It has also grown into a sisterhood and incredible support system, and this dynamic can be seen in their performances.

Keen on elevating the role of African women in music, Kasiva launched ‘Vibe na Queen’, which was sparked during the pandemic five years ago when she checked in on her female friends and colleagues.

The series became a 14-episode online series of conversations and acoustic collaborations, culminating in ‘The Matriarchs’ edition featuring Nazizi, Wandiri Karimi, June Gachui and Iddi Achieng’.

The ever-evolving Kasiva is now embarking on an extraordinary new chapter in her career, moving from percussion prodigy and multi-instrumentalist to vocalist. Showcasing her vocal prowess in all its glory, Kasiva has released her debut album ‘Desturi’ (Tradition).

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The 11-track album is a celebration of African heritage and resilience, exploring themes of African identity, the power of love, women’s rights and spirituality. Each song pulses with the essence of Africa - a celebration of what makes the continent and its people unique, even as we adapt and evolve in a changing world.

Kasiva shared what her debut album symbolises: “Desturi is like a birthing ceremony for me, where I finally share the deepest conversations of my heart while honouring the rhythm that has always guided me. Desturi is where my silent conversations, curiosity and unspoken thoughts come alive. It’s a way of looking at our traditions and therefore our identities; choosing what serves us and permitting ourselves to just become.”

The songs on the album reflect the lives and experiences of Africans, exploring themes of loss, love, celebration and traditional ceremonies. The track ‘Aoko’ is a heartfelt tribute to a life never lived but deeply cherished.

Through tender lyrics and gentle melodies, inspired by a close friend’s painful experience, it captures loss, forgiveness and the enduring bond between souls.

‘Ndikweteela’ is a poignant song that explores love and loss. It captures the bittersweet pain of a long-distance relationship unravelling. The song reflects the heartbreak, insecurities, and irony of infidelity in separation.

Written as a final farewell, the track is both a tender apology and a determined embrace of healing and renewed joy.

The album’s lead single ‘Twende Mbele’ is an anthem of empowerment and unity, celebrating African culture, leadership, cohesion and resilience.

Kasiva says, “I wrote this song as a call to Africans of all backgrounds to keep moving forward - socially, economically, culturally and environmentally. Every step forward contributes to progress, leading to victory, economic liberation, peace, stability and prosperity.

With her stars aligning, Kasiva headlined the main stage at the Sauti za Busara 2025 festival just one day after her album release. This was her second major solo performance at the festival.

Sharing her excitement, she says: “I am so ecstatic, grateful and proud of my band and myself. We worked beautifully and diligently in preparation and our performance was on point. To come back to Sauti Za Busara with my band after having been here four times supporting artists like Kidum and Fadhilee Itulya; is truly a testament to the consistency and love I have for music and African music in particular! “

Sauti Za Busara is known as a centre for rich African beats and rhythms. This year’s festival was held at the Old Fort in Stone Town, Zanzibar from 14 to 16 February.

Kasiva has also performed at prestigious festivals such as Global Fest and The Smithsonian Folklife, alongside icons such as Kirk Whalum, and Oliver Mtukudzi and has had major collaborations with The Nile Project and Coke Studio Africa.

With her latest project, Kasiva’s evolution as a singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer reveals an artist in full bloom.

Redefining her artistry and setting the stage for a transformative journey in East African music, ‘Desturi’ showcases her evolution as a storyteller and innovator. It blends African traditions and ceremonies with rich contemporary narratives and musical sounds that transcend boundaries.