Told not to drum, this woman is breaking a centuries-old taboo
Updated 1534 GMT (2334 HKT) January 22, 2018
Editor's Note: CNN is committed to covering gender inequality wherever it occurs in the world. This story is part of As Equals, a year-long series.
Arusha, Tanzania — Kasiva Mutua carefully unpacks her drums, placing them on the paving stones of a courtyard.
Shaded by a tree from Tanzania's harsh midday sun she settles, cross-legged behind them.
As she starts to play her eyes close as she loses herself in the rhythm.
This is a defiant act in Mutua's native Kenya, where it's taboo for women to drum.
But for the renowned percussionist, drumming has never been about sex or gender — even if it was for the people who tried to stop her.
"There's been a ton of problems I've faced as a female percussionist," she tells CNN. "But hey, I'm here, I'm super happy, you have no idea. I feel so good when I play the drums, it elevates me."
The Kenyan drummer breaking a centuries-old taboo 01:44
Today, Mutua's uplifting rhythms are in demand at music festivals and in recording studios around the world.
While her ability seems effortless, growing up in part of the world where it's often forbidden for women to play such a symbolically potent musical instrument, the 29-year-old has had to work hard for recognition.
"Drumming has been a subject of taboo to women in Africa and me rising as a percussionist and going publicly with it and making a living out of it is problematic to some people," she says.
"I've had my drums torn in rehearsal spaces," she adds. "I've been publicly called out and asked why I would put a drum between my legs. I was once questioned how I could do that and, after having that conversation, this man made me feel like I was dirty to put something between my legs.
"I was seen as a sexual object at that moment, and that is not cool."
Mutua was undeterred. Having learned traditional drumming from her grandmother, she took her skills to local contests, eventually defying expectations to win prizes and recognition.
Now unstoppable, she and her blend of Afrobeat, reggae, jazz and Kenyan beats are at the heart of the Nile Project — an initiative uniting communities along Africa's longest river. She's also been named a TED Fellow, giving talks alongside other global "inspiring visionaries."
And she's using her energy and profile in Kenya and beyond to encourage other young women into music, with the aim of inspiring all-female bands.
"Women can do whatever they want," Mutua says.
But, she insists, audiences should look beyond her identity and focus on her musical skills.
"It's not about genders anymore, it's about delivery," she says, adding that while some view her as a trailblazer or simply a percussionist, others still don't know what to make of her.
"So it's pretty mixed up, but I could say it's more comfortable now because I feel like once you've proved to the world that you are just a human being doing an amazing job, people tend to accept you better."
One major milestone for Mutua came in 2014 when she was chosen among other artists to represent her country at the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington. That, she says, marked a shift in attitudes among Kenyans.
"I think we're getting better at dropping the taboo subject and just dealing with music and entertainment."
While she says her expressive performances mean she leaves a part of herself with the audience each time she goes on stage, they also give her the willpower to achieve other things in life.
And, of course, the drumming keeps her happy.
"When I play I'm in a very, very good place," she says. "I don't feel any trouble, it's like I'm floating in the air somewhere, and it's just very peaceful up there..."
