Kasiva Mutua, a drumming prodigy influenced by her grandmother's folktales, has blossomed into one of Kenya’s foremost percussionists. Her dynamic rhythms narrate stories and anchor bands with precision. Touring internationally, she merges African traditional beats with modern genres like jazz, hip-hop, reggae, and funk, elevating the role of African women in music. Kasiva is a standout in the male-dominated field of percussion, engaging in collaborations like The Nile Project and Coke Studio Africa.
She co-founded MOTRAMUSIC, an all-female drumming collective in Kenya, evolving from a percussion project into a sisterhood for young women to bond through rhythm. With performances at prestigious festivals like Global Fest and The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Kasiva has shared stages with icons like Kirk Whalum and the late Oliver Mtukudzi, showcasing her talents worldwide.
As a TED Global Fellow and an OkayAfrica 100 Woman, she launched "Vibe na Queen" during the pandemic, uniting female musicians in Kenya. Her 2022 percussion EP, "NGEWA," served as a narrative of her global experiences and cultural immersion, heralding a fusion of sound elements and storytelling.
Desturi (Released Spring 2025) is Kasiva Mutua’s powerful debut—a rhythm-infused, soul-baring journey where African traditions meet fearless storytelling, marking her evolution from celebrated percussionist to visionary singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer.
From humble roots learning drumming from family tales, Kasiva Mutua's journey has been a beacon of female empowerment in the music world, amplifying the voice and spirit of Africa.
Areas of Expertise
Arts, Gender Equality, Music
