Recently, feminism has taken a firm seat at the table of global conversations, reverberating not only in politics and society but also in the arts. The music industry in Africa has been no exception to this shift, as a new generation of fierce female artists has risen to challenge the status quo, bringing fresh perspectives to gender, identity, and power. From the smoky streets of Lagos to the vibrant heart of Johannesburg, feminist ideals are increasingly embedded in the music of leading female figures.
Artists like Ayra Starr, Tems, and Lady Donli from Nigeria, alongside South Africa’s Tyla and Ghana’s Amaarae, are carving out spaces for themselves, unapologetically challenging societal norms, breaking down stereotypes, and inspiring a new generation of women through their achievements. These new-gen feminist girlies have not not only catchy and commercially successful music but also embed powerful messages of empowerment, self-love, and social justice in their music. Essentially, they aren't only breaking charts and filling venues but also smashing societal expectations.
Amidst this revolution stands Muthoni Drummer Queen (or Muthoni Ndonga), a Kenyan artist whose music and activism challenge patriarchal norms. Muthoni can be considered a movement as her work is a testament to the power of art as a vehicle for social change, and she stands tall among Africa's leading feminist icons.
At the intersection of culture, feminism, and music, we find Muthoni Drummer Queen—a trailblazing Kenyan rapper, drummer, singer-songwriter, and cultural entrepreneur. Muthoni, or MDQ as she's often called, fuses hip-hop, reggae, and neo-soul with traditional Kenyan sounds, creating music that transcends borders and stirs minds. Her art isn't just music; it's an exploration of African identity, feminism, and empowerment.
Muthoni Drummer Queen’s genre-blending sound mirrors the diversity of her hometown, Nairobi. In an interview, she highlighted the role of the city in shaping her music. "Nairobi is my home," she says in an interview published on Google Arts on Culture, "and I'm very attached to it. It created sheng, a slang derived from Kiswahili, and having an authentic language to write in has been instrumental in expressing Nairobi’s rich cultural experiences." Nairobi, a bustling metropolis that has long been a melting pot of East African, Congolese, and global influences, is the perfect incubator for Muthoni's eclectic musical style. This is evident from her recently released EP Moonsoon.
Her soundscape is as varied as her influences: from hip-hop to reggae, to the soulful rhythms of neo-soul and blues. Muthoni is a student of African drums, particularly those from the Luo, Luhya, and Giriama communities, whose beats she meticulously weaves into her music. This marriage of tradition and innovation exemplifies her approach to the African music scene—a space where she boldly carves out her own lane. 
The Feminist Voice in Muthoni Drummer Queen’s MusicMuthoni Drummer Queen doesn't shy away from her feminist convictions, using her music as a platform to challenge patriarchal structures within the music industry and society at large. Reflecting on her journey as a feminist musician, she acknowledges the internalized patriarchy she has had to unlearn, alongside the constant learning of feminist theory.
"I rejected the hypersexualized presentation of women in hip-hop," she explains. "It’s imagery created for the male gaze, performative femininity that commodifies female sexuality for men's gratification." In her work, Muthoni intentionally pushes back against these constructs. Her music, particularly in her album *SHE*, stands as a declaration of women’s autonomy. The album is a rich tapestry of stories about women who choose self-love and self-determination, unafraid to be their own heroes.
Muthoni’s presentation of herself as a “boss-lady” and urban queen isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a purposeful counter-narrative in a male-dominated industry. She offers an image of a powerful, grounded African woman, rewriting the roles traditionally assigned to women in hip-hop. Her feminist ethos is threaded through every beat, lyric, and visual—each an assertion that women can define their own narratives. Community, Creativity, and Feminism
One of Muthoni Drummer Queen’s strongest beliefs is in the power of community. For female creatives, particularly in the cutthroat world of music, solidarity and networks are essential. "Women have gone through different things in the industry," she says, "and the network becomes a useful means to gain perspective and navigate the scene."
Through her festivals, *Blankets & Wine* and *Africa Nouveau*, Muthoni has not only created spaces for artistic expression but also platforms for female artists to collaborate, grow, and challenge industry norms. The festivals reflect her feminist commitment to giving women in East Africa—and beyond—a voice, showcasing a wealth of talent across genres.
Inspiring Future GenerationsFor Muthoni, music is more than an art form; it’s a catalyst for change. She hopes to inspire Kenyan women to “listen to themselves, trust their intuition, forge their own paths, and build brands that reflect their authentic selves.” Her vision for African women is one of expansion and freedom—becoming “ungovernable women,” as she poetically puts it.
Her advice to aspiring female musicians rings clear: “Female friendship is power. Build a team from the start. Own your masters. Legally protect your image, name, and work.” Muthoni Drummer Queen champions not just artistry but ownership—ownership of music, identity, and destiny.
Muthoni Drummer Queen’s contributions to Kenyan and African music are significant. Her art, activism, and relentless push for equality place her at the forefront of the feminist wave reshaping the continent’s music scene. And as feminism continues to gain momentum globally, Muthoni's voice will undoubtedly echo louder, inspiring a future generation of women to take charge of their narratives, one beat at a time. |
