East Africa’s renowned female percussionist, Kasiva Mutua has released her debut album, Desturi (meaning tradition).
The 11-track collection celebrates African heritage, resilience, and identity, weaving themes of love, women’s rights, spirituality, and cultural pride into every rhythm. Each track pulses with the heartbeat of Africa, honoring the continent’s unique essence while embracing modern evolution.
Kasiva shares that Desturi is a deeply personal expression of her artistic journey: “Desturi is like a birthing ceremony—a space where my heart’s deepest conversations come alive, guided by the rhythms that have always moved me. It’s about exploring our traditions, choosing what serves us, and granting ourselves permission to simply become.”
A standout track, Twende Mbele, is an anthem of empowerment and resilience. Rich in instrumentation, it celebrates African leadership, unity, and culture, offering hope amidst the challenges seen across the continent. Kasiva describes it as a rallying call for progress:
“I wrote Twende Mbele to inspire Africans from all walks of life to keep moving forward—socially, economically, culturally, and environmentally. Every step contributes to progress, driving us toward victory, economic liberation, peace, and prosperity.”
Another track, Ndikweteela, bridges tradition and innovation, blending Maloya rhythms from La Réunion with Chakacha from coastal Kenya and Isukuti from Western Kenya. This fusion of sounds highlights Kasiva’s ability to honor her roots while experimenting with new sonic landscapes.
READ MORE:
Through Desturi, Kasiva redefines African music, blending rich traditions with bold creativity. The album is a sonic journey that celebrates resilience and showcases Africa’s vibrant artistic spirit.
Desturi is now streaming on all platforms.
