Kasiva Mutua’s most recent single, “Ndikweteela,” reveals a new musical identity

With the release of the song and music video for “Ndikweteela,” Kasiva Mutua, the most renowned female drummer in East Africa, unveils a new musical identity. This new track, which is a lead-up to her much awaited first album, DESTURI, which is set for release on February 14, 2025, signals the start of a transforming journey for the Kenyan singer, guitarist, and storyteller with extraordinary depth.

A moving examination of love and grief, “Ndikweteela” captures the bittersweet anguish of a long-distance relationship’s breakdown. The heartache, uncertainties, and irony of adultery while separation are all reflected in the song. “Ndikweteela,” written as a final farewell, is a heartfelt apology as well as a firm embrace of recovery and happiness. 

The stunning Ol Donyo Nyokie terrain, which is home to the Maasai people of Kenya, served as the backdrop for the accompanying visually captivating music video, which tells a compelling visual story. In a moment full of cultural meaning, Kasiva plays the drum, an instrument that is typically played by males in many African traditions, as a Maasai man dances with her. This powerful sequence honors Kasiva’s status as a revolutionary force in East African music and celebrates her role in shattering gender stereotypes.

Kasiva Mutua’s remarkable career as one of Africa’s top percussionists has been characterized by rhythm, which now has a beautiful new melody: her own voice. With this brand-new tune, Kasiva reveals that she is more than just a percussionist, opening a new chapter in her career. 

“Ndikweteela,” which is based on Kamba lyrics, combines a variety of African sounds. It displays an enthralling blend of cultural legacy and contemporary invention, drawing on the rhythmic influences of coastal Kenya’s Chakacha traditions, Western Kenya’s Isukuti rhythms, and Maloya music from La Réunion. The artwork for the single, which shows Kasiva wearing a black dress, represents resiliency and optimism while symbolizing the loss of a loved one.