Emmie Muthiga: A musical dynamo who is merging sounds, coffee and confidence

The soft-spoken singer and entrepreneur grew up listening to and getting inspired by the likes of Kenya's E-Sir and Kleptomaniax as well as the now-defunct Ugandan all-female band Blu 3.

"I always loved the beauty of the Blu 3 singers - their compositions, their style, their empowering themes and their defiant fashion sense always got me. It spurred me to the industry," she says.

A fierce artist with an impeccable singing voice, Emmie sings painstakingly of love, heartbreak, nostalgia and freedom as she injects the dynamism of her voice, stirring up the listener and quickly coming for the crown of the new vanguard of Kenyan music.

Already, she has two projects to her name - No Label and Free - and has already injected the streaming platforms with a myriad of singles which include 'Kimbiza', 'Taratibu' and 'Zunguka'. 

Her music expands with a melange of Kenyan and world influences, incorporating various sounds without losing her unique edge, churning out what feels like Afrofusion meets Quiet Storm.

It is that musical dexterity that saw her get signed to top Kenyan - and world-music label, CMG Records, a place she now calls home and credits with her burgeoning success. 

"I'm greatly thankful to CMG Records for picking me up and placing me where I belong. Marketing has been my biggest challenge and now, I can only see boundless success ahead," she says. 

A savvy business head in her own right, Emmie also runs a successful coffee shop in Buru Buru and has set her sights on starting her own coffee brand, aptly named Ciku's Coffee.

The vivacious singing dynamo, who was expertly mentored in music by the legendary Pete Odera of 5 Alive, says that she is currently working on a mixtape titled 'Hali Yangu' a project she undertook after going through an arduous rehabilitation period last year.

Additionally, the multifaceted composer is also working on a show inspired by 'Hali Yangu'.

"It will take listeners through my journey of letting go and searching for and finding freedom as captured in my last projects, No Label and Free," she says.

Despite her battles, upon listening to her music, one will discover that she’s not crazed or vengeful, she’s conciliatory; it’s her newfound sense of serenity, quietude and purpose.

As a parting shot, Emmie has a little nugget of advice to young women in whichever field of life. 

"I would advise you to know yourself, your worth and never lose sight of your dreams."