Music has the power to transcend borders, touch hearts, and tell stories that words alone cannot. Few artists embody this truth as effortlessly as Kutowa Music, a rising star whose soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics have captivated audiences far beyond her hometown of Lusaka, Zambia.
With deep roots in a musically inclined family, Kutowa Music’s journey has been shaped by a love for storytelling, a passion for authenticity, and an unshakable commitment to her craft. From singing in church as a child to discovering the rich and expressive world of neo-soul, her music is a blend of raw emotion, rich harmonies, and thought-provoking themes.
In this exclusive interview with Exposed Vocals, Kutowa Music opens up about her early influences, her creative process, and the experiences that have shaped her artistry. She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her latest single, With You, and shares valuable insights for aspiring musicians.
Let’s dive into the conversation!
Early Life and Background
Exposed Vocals: Can you share a bit about your childhood in Lusaka and how music played a role in your upbringing?
I have had a colorful childhood full of emotion, passion, fear, happiness, regret, grief, but through it all, music has been a friend I can lean on. In times of gladness – music; in times of sadness – music; it has been a way that I could express my feelings, whether it’s through my own songs or those of other artists out there, as long as in that moment, I can relate with it. I’ve grown up in a musical family; not professional musicians but people who would sing regularly, especially in church. Most of my family can sing, and whenever we would get together, it would be about music. We would sing songs together, and that’s where the passion started from. Also, in his days as a younger man, my dad would sing and play the guitar with his sister. And with the family on my Mom’s side, we would also sit together and sing for hours on end. We all love singing.
Exposed Vocals: Being the second-born in a family of five, did your siblings influence your love for music in any way?
Definitely! My siblings influenced my love of music because of this habit of singing together. It awakened the desire in me. I remember once when they were singing and I was so off-key, and I felt like I needed to just keep quiet, because they were so good! That made me say I’m going to learn to sing better, and I’m going to sing better than all of them – you know, sibling rivalry! Well, I don’t know if I sing better than them now but at least I can now say that I am on radio a little more than all of them. lol
Exposed Vocals: What was the first song you ever performed, and how did that experience shape your musical journey?
So the first time I actually sang in front of an audience was in church at Christmas; we were singing Christmas carols so I cannot remember which ones specifically. From that point onwards, however, my love for music just grew. Music is now my safe space, a place where I can be myself.
Musical Journey
Exposed Vocals: You started singing at 12 in church—what did that experience teach you about music and performance?
Singing in church helped me understand the technical aspects of how to sing, things like keys, and so on. But what I appreciate most is the values I also learned – values like respect and discipline, things that have helped to shape the woman I am today.
Exposed Vocals: At what point did you realize that music was more than just a passion and could be a full-time career?
Shockingly, this happened very recently; I would say about two years ago. I had sang, recorded music, performed and all, but until that point, I approached my music more like a hobby and a passion and less like a business. So two years ago, I decided to recalibrate and start considering music as my career.
Exposed Vocals: How did you discover neo-soul as your preferred genre, and what drew you to it?
When you then have a genre that combines soul with the most powerful elements of Hip Hop, R&B, and pretty much every other beautiful sounds you can think of, it allows you to create euphoria. It is musical, it is timeless, it is borderless! You can literally sing gibberish and it will still find a way to touch the deepest parts of someone’s soul. Because of this foundation, my music allows me to do many things. I think people will be surprised by what I have lined up for them.
Influences and Style
Exposed Vocals: You’ve mentioned Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill as influences—what is it about their music that resonates with you?
Timelessness. Simplicity. Authenticity. These are the words that come to mind when I think about these great artists. I want to make people feel what I feel when I listen to songs like ‘On and On’ and ‘Killing Me Softly’. I want to achieve a lot but even if it’s just one song, one album, I want people to feel.
Exposed Vocals: Your lyrics often explore modern, youthful, and provocative themes. Where do you find inspiration for your songwriting?
I find inspiration from the depth of everyday life; the things that I go through, the stories I hear, and the experiences we have – good and bad. I want music that people can relate to now and tomorrow. You know good music when you hear it. It communicates. If we love, we communicate love. If we’re heartbroken, we communicate heartbreak. We communicate everyday life.
Exposed Vocals: How do you balance storytelling with musical composition when creating a new song?
So Kutowa Music is more than just one person. I have an exceptional team, and we all bring in different technical strengths and also vulnerabilities to the music we create. We have all worked together for over ten years! But despite this familiarity, we still find ways to innovate and create music that I feel is unique. It has not always worked but we learn from every attempt.
Exposed Vocals: How has growing up in Zambia influenced your sound and lyrical themes?
You know the deep experiences I spoke about? The ones we draw inspiration from? Zambia has many of those. lol Our country is beautiful. It is peaceful, our people are friendly, and also so funny that I wonder how we don’t have a more vibrant comedy scene. But in all its beauty, it also has its challenges – some huge and crippling, like droughts, and others that only we can understand – like the pain of not qualifying for an Africa Cup of Nations. lol So this wide spectrum is ripe with potential for storytelling.
Exposed Vocals: Tell us about the creative process behind your latest single, “With You.” What inspired the song?
If I’m being honest, this song is over ten years old! Love was and is the inspiration. You know, that feeling of newfound love. The one that catches you unaware. The one that breaks down your defenses. The love that has you smiling just at the thought of your special person. So the song had been on the back burner for a while, and when it was time to record, we only had to change a few things. Originally, for example, it had a bridge and a key change but we decided that may be too much. But despite how old it was, recording it was not easy at all. These people made me sing it over and over again. lol But we eventually got the emotion we were looking for – it took letting go of all my training and years of practice, and being in a vulnerable state. I had to get in touch with that feeling again. It was a really fun session.
Exposed Vocals: What was it like working with John “DJ Twenty6” Zgambo and Eazy The Producer on this track?
Working on the track with these two was a lot of fun! We actually had to book a room at a lodge because Eazy had no power at his studio. lol (Our country has had an electricity shortage because of drought) But overall, it was an exciting process. We all wondered where the determination to not be defeated by the power problems came from. But judging from how people have been reacting to the song so far, it’s clear that the song was ready to be heard.
Exposed Vocals: The music video for “With You” was released on Valentine’s Day—was there a special message you wanted to convey with the timing?
Yes, yes, yes! Love was the message. I wanted people to have a sense of nostalgia when they listen to the song and remember all the memories that gave them warm, fuzzy feelings. I wanted them to remember their loved ones, and we thought Valentine’s Day was appropriate for this. It put everything in a bit of a time crunch but we love that we pushed ahead!
Exposed Vocals: How involved were you in the creative direction of the music video?
So, like I said earlier, Kutowa Music is a team. We had so little to work with but so much determination! We called in a LOT of favors, and that meant that each one of us had their hands full. So I mainly focused on the wardrobe, while the rest of the team handled other aspects. It was a busy weekend and also a lot of fun. Our music video director, Sticka, did a wonderful job picking locations and bringing his vision of the video to life.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Exposed Vocals: In addition to music, you’re an entrepreneur and a baker. How do your passions for music and baking intersect?
Music makes me happy. Baking makes me happy. That’s how they intersect. lol Music helps make baking fun. I love to sing and dance as I bake with my kids; it’s a beautiful way to bond.
Exposed Vocals: Do you find that your experience as an entrepreneur influences your approach to your music career?
Of course! It took a while but because of my entrepreneurial endeavors, I now appreciate my music as a business and not just a hobby. I am now more mindful about strategy, being in the right places, and building relationships with like-minded people.
Management and Team
Exposed Vocals: How has being under the 260 Africa imprint with Boniface “ZedArtist Promoter” Muchelenje helped shape your career?
260 Africa is the glue that brought us together. It is because of 260 Africa that we are here today. We have stayed together through every success and every hurdle. I owe a lot to Mr. B and the 260 Africa team. It has been an awesome 10+ years, and I feel the next decade will be the best yet!
Exposed Vocals: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your management team about the music industry?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to get things done. There should be no excuses. You have to put in the work regardless of where you are in life, and the most important step you can take is the first one. Do not wait for ‘perfect.’ Start with what you have.
Future Plans & Personal Growth
Exposed Vocals: What can fans expect from you in the coming months? Any upcoming projects or collaborations?
Of course, there’s a lot they can expect. More beautiful music. More collaborations. More adventures. More, more, more! It’s going to be good.
Exposed Vocals: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists, especially young women in music, what would it be?
You are more than the price tag they put on you. Stay disciplined. Trust God. Do good. You got this!
As our conversation with Kutowa Music comes to a close, one thing is clear—her journey is only just beginning. From the deep musical roots of her childhood to the passion and perseverance that have shaped her career, Kutowa Music continues to carve out a unique space in the industry with her soulful sound and storytelling.
With exciting projects on the horizon, a growing fanbase, and an unwavering dedication to her craft, she is poised to make an even greater impact in the world of music. Her journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, discipline, and staying true to one’s purpose.
For those following her path or aspiring to make their mark in music, Kutowa Music leaves us with a powerful reminder: “You are more than the price tag they put on you. Stay disciplined. Trust God. Do good. You got this!”
We can’t wait to see what’s next for this incredible artist. Stay tuned for more music, more stories, and more moments of inspiration from Kutowa Music.
Follow her journey, stream her latest release, and keep up with all things Kutowa Music! 🎶🔥
