Kenyan musician Muthoni Drummer Queen has opened up about the emotional cost of working in the country’s music industry, expressing frustration over what she describes as being overlooked despite years of building platforms, opportunities, and cultural spaces.
In a post she shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Muthoni reflected on her long journey in the industry, saying she has dedicated much of her life to service through music, mentorship and cultural development projects.
A lifetime in service of music
In her message, Muthoni detailed her contribution to the Kenyan and international music scene, highlighting her involvement in building platforms that have supported artists and creatives over the years.
“Ive offered my whole life in service of the music industry in Kenya,” she said.
She went on to mention projects such as Blankets and Wine, which has grown into a recognised cultural platform both locally and internationally, as well as Perform Music Incubator, a programme aimed at training and supporting upcoming artists through free and structured opportunities.
According to her, these initiatives have also created paid opportunities and album development spaces for artists who might otherwise be left out of the industry.
Focus on inclusion and opportunity
Muthoni further explained that a significant portion of the programmes she has been involved in are designed to support underrepresented groups in the industry, including women, persons with disabilities and refugees.
She also noted her role in curating and programming Kenyan music on global platforms such as TED and the Les Escales Festival in France, experiences she described as part of her wider effort to elevate local talent internationally.
Despite these achievements, she expressed frustration that her work is often ignored or undervalued by some people within the same industry she has contributed to.
Struggles with recognition
Muthoni did not hide her emotional exhaustion, saying that despite her efforts, she continues to face criticism and dismissal from individuals who, in her view, have not contributed to building or sustaining creative spaces.
“Yet everyday, I survive contempt, under estimation and erasure from folks who have never extended themselves in service of others, who have never built or kept anything alive,” she stated.
Her remarks highlight a growing conversation within the creative industry about recognition, support, and the challenges faced by pioneers who invest in building long-term structures for artists.
Emotional reflection on her journey
Muthoni admitted that the ongoing pressure has taken a toll on her emotionally, hinting at moments of burnout and frustration as she continues to navigate the industry. Her final reflection suggested a sense of fatigue with the current environment, capturing the emotional weight behind her statement.
“Lately, I hate it here,” she wrote.
Muthoni Drummer Queen’s words reveal the untold challenges of Kenya’s creative industry, where building sustainable platforms often involves enduring criticism and a lack of recognition. Her long list of contributions continues to shape the country’s music landscape locally and internationally.
