Nakuru singer-songwriter Itha drops debut EP
A photo of Singer and songwriter Catherine Muriithi known as Itha and also the cover of the EP
Nakuru's singer-songwriter Catherine Muriithi, popularly known by her stage name Itha, has ushered in a new chapter of her musical journey with the rollout of her debut EP, a project she describes as timely, deeply personal, and creatively liberating.
Speaking during an interview, Itha said the decision to release an EP came from a place of clarity and confidence in her artistic direction.
“To be honest, I think it’s about time. I’m at a place right now where I feel like I have made the decision that this is what I want to do. That basically means I need to put out work, albums and everything else. It’s time for me to promote my art,” she shares.
The EP sees Itha collaborate with two artists, Clark Keeng and Matt Ngesa, both of whom played a significant role in shaping the sound of the project. One of the songs on the EP features Clark Keeng as a vocalist, adding another layer to the collaboration.
Working with the two creatives, Itha says, was both exciting and educational. “They’ve been in this industry longer than I have, so I honestly got to learn so much from that experience,” she notes.
Some songs were pre-written, while others were created from scratch during the residency.
Asked about her favourite track on the EP, Itha admitted it was a difficult choice. However, she singled out “Stars” as a standout. “It’s the type of sound I’ve wanted to put out since I was young. It’s what I always envisioned my songs to sound like. It’s just a really beautiful song,” she says.
Like any collaborative project, the EP came with its own challenges. Itha points out that differing creative styles and working rhythms require compromise and understanding.
“Some artists work better at night, others during the day. When you’re working together with a timeline, you all have to gel,” she said.
Still, she adds that these differences did not result in major clashes, but rather helped her understand her collaborators better.
Musically, the EP reflects Itha’s growth and versatility as an artist. Known primarily for ballads, she explores new genres and sounds on this project.
“Every single song is very different. There are genres I’ve never done before. Stained Glass, which just came out, is something I’ve never done. This EP shows my range,” she says.
At its core, the EP is a love story. According to Itha, the songs are arranged to tell a complete narrative, from attraction and falling in love to the cracks that form between imperfect people and, ultimately, the decision to walk away.
“I love,” she says. “So in that way, it really represents who I am and how I think about love.”
She hopes listeners will connect with the project on a personal level. “I hope they take the journey with us,” she says. “I hope it’s relatable, and that maybe we’ve expressed things people are unable to say themselves. At the same time, I hope they appreciate the deeper artistic meaning behind it.”
The EP rollout officially began on January 9, with the release of the first single. A second single will follow before the full EP drops on March 6.
In addition, Itha notes there will be a listening party scheduled for February 13, giving fans an exclusive first experience of the complete project ahead of its official release.
Looking beyond the EP, Itha already has her eyes set on a bigger goal. “After this, I want to work on an album,” she reveals.
With five songs and an interlude, the EP marks a bold and thoughtful introduction to Itha’s evolving sound. As she puts it, “So much heart and thought went into this music. I just hope everyone listens and enjoys it.”