Vallerie Muthoni is a Kenyan singer, rapper, performer and an all round badass.
How did you get into music?
I never really ‘got into music’ I’ve just always been into music since I was a kid and knew one way or another I was gonna be an entertainer when I grew up.
What else do you enjoy doing besides being an artist?
Well, I enjoy watching movies at the cinema, listening to music, watching Beyoncé concerts online, and I’m a student at USIU studying Journalism so that takes up a good portion of my time so yeah that’s pretty much it right now, music, performing and studying.
Being new to the music industry what have been the highs and lows of your career so far?
Highs, performing alongside (and being mentored) by someone I admire and is inspired by in the industry, Muthoni Drummer Queen.
Lows, dealing with unprofessional, sneaky and shady event organisers, promoters and producers.
How does it feel being part of the Jumpoff Freshmen class?
Feels great – means people are watching, listening and appreciate the hard work I put into my craft.
Who are your inspirations within music and in life?
Musically, my inspirations are Donald Glover & Beyonce, in life, my mother.
How was it working on your debut EP, Wavey Soul and how was it received by music fans?
Truthfully, recording this EP was an extremely draining, tiring but educative experience. I dealt with a lot of obstacles and had to learn how to manoeuvre them alone. I learnt A LOT and for that, I’m grateful. The feedback has been overwhelming and beautiful, everyone has a song they gravitate and relate with and it makes me happy to see that people are STILL jamming to it and have them on their everyday Playlist. As an artist having songs with replay value is a blessing and from the DMs and interactions with people they are still bumping and enjoying the Wavey Soul and for that it makes it all worth it.
What is the one thing that you can’t live without?
Music.
What is the soundtrack to your life?
Frank Ocean’s Blond album.
Describe a typical day in your life.
When I’m not in school (which I am half the week), I’m either in meetings or most likely just at home catching up on sleep and my series.
What are you most proud of about being Kenyan?
The support and closeness of people in the Kenyan (more specifically, ‘NuNairobi’) music scene.
How would you like to be remembered?
As the person that made you feel loved and happy when you’re around them and one hell of a performer.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
You gotta put in the work. You can’t be ignorant and say you ‘can’t’ or ‘don’t know how’ in this age of information. Making it as an artist in this world doesn’t just require talent, it demands work ethic, consistency, discipline and eagerness to learn and keep learning.
Social media handles
My handle is @valleriemuthoni Everywhere
Music: https://valleriemuthoni.wixsite.com/valleriemuthoni/music
