ONE ON ONE: Kash Kaaria ¶
Mukami Gitonga Kaaria, known by her brand name, Kash Kaaria, has been in the creative space for a long time. Having recently come out as a solo artiste, with an EP on the way, she talks to Nyakundi Report.
Kash Kaaria is an artiste, fashion blogger, and an avid lover of music. She started writing poems as a form of expressing her emotions, especially when feeling overwhelmed. Her mum had instilled the writing culture in her from a young age.
She wrote her first song when she was in primary school. The transition from high school to the university gave her the time to share her two cents on fashion, which eventually led to her blogging career. Although it's not as active anymore, she plans to fuse both loves in the near future.
Kaaria was the lead in a rock band called The Rocker in high school. They had a producer and would perform in school and gigs like 'Battle of the Bands.' She came out as a solo act after finishing her Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology from Kenyatta University.
Her music is a fusion of Afro beat, Pop, Rock, and Hip hop. She still doesn't have a specific genre, but is figuring that out. Kaaria's mum, manager, and friends have supported her throughout her career. Her grandfather used to play the guitar, and her uncle sings as well.
She plays the piano, but not professionally. Kaaria writes her music with certain four chords that she taught herself back in primary school. Her song writing ideas come to her from conversations with friends, experiences, or connecting with people.
She has an unreleased song that's probably her favourite. She won't talk about it, but 'Nafsi' follows closely because it's a liberating song. Kaaria has had a bad break-up, and wrote the song for a friend who went through a terrible break-up, to let her know it is okay to go through the pain.
She has performed at the last edition of Blankets and Wine, which was the most professional gig she's had. The energy she received from the crowd was unbelievable. Seeing strangers sing along to her music really changed her and motivated her to keep going.
She forgot the lyrics to her song last year, which was most likely due to stage fright. Kaaria listens to R&B, Reggae, Hip Hop, and Afro beats, but rock tops the list. Linkin Park have been very influential in her music career.
She has major plans for 2020, including releasing her EP by June and performing at gigs she's been eyeing.
Quick Fire:
- Strangest thing you've ever eaten: Octopus.
- Lifelong dream: To run my own company.
- What would you do for fun in Mars: Take selfies for my friends on earth.
- If you could be any other nationality: Canadian.
- Most delightful word you can think of: Kind.
