Itha otherwise known as Catherine is a Kenyan singer and songwriter who reflects love,faith, and self-discovery in her music. Additionally she shares her faith boldly talking about the love of Jesus. Her songs carry a soulful and inspirational energy that speaks to healing, connection, and hope.
Itha began performing as a teenager at 13 years. She started working with different artists; serving
as the lead vocalist for a Los Angeles based musician while living in Kenya. Over the years, Itha has graced multiple stages performing covers of artists like Olivia Dean, Adele, Leon Bridges, Andra Day, and Emeli Sandé.
In 2025 , Itha is stepping fully into her artistry. She is recording and releasing original music that blends emotion, vulnerability and faith. Her work has drawn attention from music supervisors with some of her tracks currently being considered for sync placements on shows such as Love Island (US). Itha had a minute to share her music journey with us.
1. Itha your music focuses on faith, healing and things most people are afraid to talk about. What gives you the courage to be so vulnerable in your songwriting?
I think it’s the strong belief that to me that’s what music should be about. It’s more than sound waves and a good beat. Music has the power to effect change, provide room for important conversations etc. As an artist I think it’s important for me to use my gift in this way. Also because I’m a strong believer and I believe in purpose. God has blessed me with this gift for a reason. I am a vessel fulfilling an assignment. It’s the only way I know how.
2. You started performing at just 13 years old. How did those early experiences, including working with an international jazz musician, shape the artist you are today?
I think a lot of those experiences gave me courage and belief in self. Additionally , the experience was allowing me while still very young to test out if this is really what I would like to live for and do. The experiences gave me wings to boldly be who I am today.
3. Your bio mentions you’re now stepping fully into your artistry.What did that process of stepping fully into your own sound and vision look like?
I am still in that process but basically it looks like fully trusting the process. This also means giving up on everything else and focusing fully on music. I am no longer trying to apply for work elsewhere, every application sent out now is music related (laughs). I eat, sleep, drink music. Also I think it took me being honest with myself that really, nothing else gives me fulfillment and it’ll be a disservice to myself if I don’t fully step into this. I’ve had to say no to fear and what ifs and blindly believe.
4. Can you tell us the story behind one of your original songs, like Sunset & Safe Word?
Well Sunset is a song about my 5-month journey in the US. I decided to travel to the states for a few months to meet people in the music industry. It’s a song about how I made that decision, my wonderful experience there and how I wish I could stay longer.
Safe word is about a very painful time in my life. I was once in an abusive relationship, emotionally and physically. I wrote this song without knowing how much I needed it-for my own healing, to be honest. It’s a song about a moment of self introspection, how I felt being trapped in that toxic cycle and how I wish I had a safe word to get me out of it sooner.
5. How does your faith directly influence your creative process, from writing a song to finding the right words?
Uff… I pray before writing, I am in constant connection or at least I try to be with God. I always hope to write what He would wish for me to, so that my writing and sound is not in vain, if that makes sense. So while in that space I ask God for that inspiration.I love prayer, I think writing for me is a time to connect with God as well.
6. Your music is being considered for major platforms like Love Island (US). What does it feel like to have your deeply personal songs reach such a wide, global audience?
I think you don’t really think much about it until you really try to conceptualize what it means. It’s a beautiful feeling and especially because I was just in the right room with the right person who trusted me with his sound(My producer Nick.) But in general, I am happy to share a piece of myself with the world! But to me as an artist it’s still my little baby and I think this is the first time I’ve had to think about what this means.
7. You’ve said you want people who feel broken or unseen to know they are not alone. What is the most powerful message you’ve received from a listener that showed you your music was having this effect?
My sister said about Safe Word that the song breaks you and heals you at the same time. And I think that’s one of the best things I’ve ever heard!
The other feedback was from random people on TikTok about my song Don’t Forget because it’s about a couple suffering from dementia, having them share their own personal experiences having lost close family to the disease and saying thank you that I told this story really moved me.
8. Your track Don’t Forget feels like there’s a theme of remembrance and holding onto hope. What is it you hope your listeners never forget about themselves or their journey?
Wow good question. Never forget who they REALLY are, that’s where the power is. That they matter, that they’re loved, that they have a light that shines bright in them and they shouldn’t allow it to go dim.
9. Who are the artists—like the ones you’ve covered, from Adele to Emeli Sandé—who have most influenced your own vocal style and the soulful energy in your music?
Like you said Emeli, Adele, Andra Day! Oh she’s amazing! I grew up listening to Brandy! Vocally Sia I love how she uses her voice as an instrument in her music. It’s pretty genius!
10. As you release more original music, what is the primary feeling or takeaway you hope lingers with someone after they’ve listened to one of your songs?
Love. I always say I want to embody love to the point where I can become it. In my Christian journey I have discovered how God is love, and how love is such a powerful force that heals, empowers and inspires.It makes the world a better place. So yeah I would like for people to feel loved through my music because if that’s the feeling, healing and growth will be inevitable.
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