Celebrating a decade in the performing arts, King D—also known as Kasee, Mutavania, and Mutongoi—has emerged as a transformative force in Kenyan storytelling.
A mainstay at Alliance Française, Nairobi, he has captivated audiences with leading roles in Heartstrings Entertainment’s hilarious plays and Theatrix’s acclaimed productions, both renowned for their wit and cultural resonance.
King D’s accolades include the Coastal Music Legend Award (2019) for preserving coastal musical traditions, Mzalendo Artist of the Year (2021) for civic-impactful music, and Best Traditional Fusion Artist (2022) at the Kenya Music Awards.
With roots in music, stage, and film, and a growing influence in directing and production, he is not only performing, he’s pioneering a cultural renaissance. And now he is on a new first, establishing the first vernacular theater in Machakos.
His genre-defining Kililimbi sound is a vibrant fusion of Swahili coastal rhythms, Afrobeat, and modern beats—has earned him widespread acclaim and cultural credibility.
Their debut play, ‘Mbaa Ngeka’, a provocative cultural satire featuring some of Kenya’s most seasoned thespians, premieres tomorrow at 7pm at Semara Hotel in Machakos.
“’Mbaa Ngeka’ is a cultural mirror, a bold commentary, and an invitation for Machakos residents to see their stories on stage,” King D says.
Through Kililimbi Players, he envisions a creative hub to nurture poets, actors, comedians, and filmmakers in Machakos, a region often eclipsed by Nairobi’s cultural dominance.
“We’re not just staging plays; we’re building an ecosystem for talent to thrive,” says co-founder Timothy Ndisii, a veteran director. The troupe is already sparking excitement, with packed workshops drawing enthusiastic local youth eager to learn and create.
His journey spans DJing and emceeing on Kenya’s coast, commanding stage performances, and now directing and production. His deep emotional range and dynamic presence have made him a standout.
He’s also serving as assistant director for ‘Dreams of Nairobi’, an anticipated musical set to open at Braeburn Theatre, blending urban narratives with traditional Kenyan sounds.
Looking ahead, King D is expanding Kililimbi’s reach with community workshops, artist mentorship programs, and regional tours to showcase Machakos talent.
He’s also producing a series of short films and documentaries that weave local folklore with contemporary issues like identity and cultural preservation.
Concurrently, he’s working on a Kililimbi EP, spotlighting emerging coastal artists. The EP will fuse traditional drums, spoken word, and modern production, furthering his mission to elevate indigenous music to global stages.
“World-class art doesn’t need to come from big cities. It can rise from Machakos, Kitui, or anywhere with heart and vision,” King D says. His influence is already palpable, with local artistes like John Mutia calling him “an earthquake in the art industry” and Kililimbi Players “a cultural movement.”
As Machakos becomes a new hub for creativity, King D’s vision remains clear, empower artistes, amplify untold stories, and ensure the next generation can shine without leaving home. “This is just the beginning,” he says, his eyes alight with purpose. “We’re not just dreaming we’re building a legacy.” [Mike Kihaki]