Kasiva Mutua is a renowned Kenyan percussionist, cultural activist, and TED Fellow celebrated for breaking gender barriers in African drumming. Based in Nairobi, she is recognized among the top drummers in Kenya, admired for her dynamic style that blends traditional African rhythms with modern percussion.
Early Life and Education
Kasiva Mutua was born and raised in a Kenyan village where traditional gender norms discouraged women from playing drums. At the age of six, she was inspired by her grandmother, who owned a small drum used during storytelling. Despite facing harassment, ridicule, and even the destruction of her instruments because of the cultural taboo against female drummers, Kasiva remained determined to pursue music.
She began auditioning for music festivals in secondary school, gradually building confidence as a performer. Later, she pursued higher education, earning a degree in journalism from Busoga University in Uganda.
Career and Achievements
Kasiva’s professional breakthrough came when she joined the OneBeat program in 2013, a global artist residency that unites musicians from around the world. In 2014, she became part of the Nile Project, a cross-cultural music and activist initiative uniting artists from countries connected by the Nile River.
In 2015, Kasiva co-founded MOTRA (MOdern and TRAditional Rhythms), an all-women percussion group that empowers female musicians and challenges cultural stereotypes. The ensemble, consisting of eight members, fuses African heritage with contemporary rhythms, giving women a strong platform in the drumming world.
Her global recognition came in 2017 when she was named a TED Global Fellow, allowing her to share her inspiring journey on an international stage.
Legacy and Impact
Kasiva Mutua’s biography represents a story of resilience, cultural pride, and empowerment. By defying tradition and elevating percussion as a tool of storytelling and activism, she has become a symbol of progress for women in African music.
Through MOTRA, festival performances, and international collaborations, Kasiva continues to inspire the next generation of drummers, reinforcing that music knows no gender boundaries.
