Percussion & Solo Set

Kasiva Mutua voice and percussion

MUSICA PER LE VIE DEL BORGO

The renowned Kenian percussionist Kasiva Mutua brings her electrifying beats to the Solomeo Festival with two captivating solo performances. By blending traditional African sounds and contemporary influences, Kasiva’s set celebrates narration through rhythm. Her vibrant drumming, infused with personal stories and cultural roots, promises an engaging musical experience where each beat oozes emotion and energy

Chant - Desturi

Twende Mbele

Mbio za Sakafu

All songs are written by Jackline Kasiva Mutua.

Fernando Anuang'a

Kasiva Mutua learned to play the percussion inspired by the popular tales her grandmother used to tell her, developing a distinctive style characterised by powerful beats. Regarded as one of Kenya’s leading percussionists, her approach weaves compelling stories that come alive alongside the vibrant energy of a music band.Today, Kasiva is a world-renowned percussionist who blends traditional African music with modern jazz, hip-hop, reggae, and funk. She uses her work to celebrate the spirit and share the stories of her community, while highlighting and promoting the important role of African women in music.Moreover, she participated in numerous intercultural music collaborations, including The Nile Project, 1Beat, x-Jazz Women, and Coke Studio Africa. In 2015, the artist co-founded Kenya’s first all-female percussion group, MOTRAMUSIC (MOdern and TRAditional music). MOTRAMUSIC provides drumming and percussion lessons for young women, focusing on the fundamentals of rhythm and its application in various music styles. Over the years, MOTRAMUSIC has grown into a close-knit community, where members have formed deep and lasting bonds, becoming a second family brought together by percussion instruments. Kasiva has participated in numerous festivals in Africa and around the world, including the Global Fest, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Sauti Za Busara, the Holland Festival, the Asheville Percussion Festival, and SAKIFO, ZAKIFO. She has also collaborated with outstanding musicians like Kirk Whalum, the late Oliver Mtukudzi, Anthony B, Bastian Baker, Nomoucounda Cissoko, and Thais Diarra. Kasiva is also a member of the Nairobi Horns Project in Kenya and accompanies several local artists, such as The Safaricom Choir, Maia and the Big Sky, Fadhilee Itulya, Silayio, and Kidum. In 2017, she was named a TEDGlobal Fellow, and her presentation – halfway between a performance and a talk – has been viewed over 1.2 million times. She also featured on the OkayAfrica 100 Women list in 2018. Committed to promoting gender equality and the role of girls in society, Kasiva continues to inspire women to broaden their horizons in music, encouraging younger generations to preserve their cultural heritage.