We were lucky to catch up with Waithaka recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Waithaka with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my parents. Both are educators and business people, my mum runs a bookstore as a retired high school teacher and my dad is an avocado farmer and a retired college professor. Their consistency to their profession has been a major influence on how I approach my projects. Watching my dad nurture track talent as a track and field coach was the beginning of my journey. The same habits he taught, I instilled them in my craft and helped with my commitment to my craft.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a US-based Kenyan music producer, artist, composer, and owner of my indie label. I started off as a novice learning the piano in the early 2000s to now becoming a versatile music producer working with some of Africa’s great talents as well as some international acts. Over the past 20 years, I’ve dedicated myself to creating music that not only defines Kenya’s musical legacy but also resonates deeply within the African diaspora, through my unique production style and dedication to creating timeless music.
Through my label, Waithaka Ent, I’ve curated a diverse catalog that spans various genres and speaks to global audiences. Some notable projects include my debut album ‘Odes by Queens,’ which was Kenya’s first all-female featured album, the highly sophomore album ‘BLK2541,’ featuring some highly-talented African artists in Kenya and beyond, my collaborative project ‘Moshi’ with Zimbabwean artist MJ Wemoto, and my latest R&B album, ‘Soul’d Duets,’ which has received incredible positive response from listeners worldwide.
I’ve also had the pleasure of executive-producing projects for several artists, including Kenyan artists Kwame Rĩgĩi and Ayrosh, and have co-production credits on Kenya’s top female rapper Wangechi’s EP ‘Don’t Consume If Seal is Broken.’
I recently celebrated my 20th anniversary in the music industry and that was a significant milestone for me. The celebration event was a moment of pride, bringing together my supporters, and industry stakeholders from both Kenya and the US.
What truly sets my journey apart is the community I’ve built—supporters who consistently show up, promote my music, and push my brand forward, just as I do for them. I’m proud to see the growth of all the artists I’ve worked with and to witness the impact of the years of dedication and passion I’ve poured into my craft.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Patience is probably the most important quality that has influenced my knowledge and mostly help me improve my skill as a keyboardist/pianist. I started learning piano as an adult and it took a lot of patience to keep going. This same attitude helped me when working on my albums and other artists’ projects. The most impactful part of my journey has been mentorship. I’ve been lucky enough to be mentored to individuals at different levels of their artistry and career. My college professor helped shape the love for learning the music, Kaysha, a Zouk artist from Congo taught me about collaborating and EJ my first piano teacher and band mate was the first to make me question whether I was serious about music, then he became my biggest supporter.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes I am looking for partners on a business, creative and exchange level. The phase I’m in right now requires me to have serious financial plans to even begin the projects. Maintaining a good standard for my craft has come at a cost and it’s a balance that can be hard to maintain. I have built amazing networks but it always comes back to financial muscle to move the needle forward from the point I’m in. I’m looking for capital investors, new music clients and artists who are open to a music cultural exchange approach to their collaborations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/waithakaent?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=410ef672-1b5e-4ef8-9e05-bdd3d2eab29f
- Other: https://linktr.ee/waithakaent?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=410ef672-1b5e-4ef8-9e05-bdd3d2eab29f
Image Credits
Ayzoe Brad
