Muthoni the Drummer Queen (MDQ) is a singer, rapper and drummer from Nairobi, Kenya. A unique talent, her sound fuses Kenyan drum rhythms, pop, soul and hip hop.
In 2008 MDQ released her first EP project ‘Mambo Bado’. In 2009, MDQ worked with Waweru “Wawesh Mjanja” Kiboy from Penya Africa, Kenya and released her first full length work titled The Human Condition. The former saw her nominated for Best New Act at the MTV MAMA awards in 2010 and with MDQ‘s sound described at large as “The African Missy Elliot meets M.I.A”.
In 2011, MDQ successfully released the EP “Welcome to The Disco” through a bold innovative crowd sourcing platform named Africa Unsigned. The eccentric pop EP’s lead single, also titled ‘Welcome to the Disco’ utilized a radical video-hype campaign and cemented MDQ’s place as a leading, out-of-the box, genre defying artist of global appeal.
In 2012, MDQ started to dabble in hiphop and released two singles “Vile Inafaa” featuring fellow Kenyan rapper Octopizzo , and “Feelin It” Both were received with critical acclaim and opened the door for MDQ to explore and her deep love for hiphop.
In 2013, MDQ collaborated with Swiss producers Greg “GR” Escoffey and Jean “Hook” Geissbuler to produce herself titled sophomore album, MDQ. The album was distributed in collaboration with Standard Media group through the use of a text message service using a shortcode number. As a result of the impact and the opportunity created, the album was re-released in February of 2015 as MDQUPGRADED and features chart topping collaborations with Wyclef Jean (USA), Khuli Chana (SA), Navio (UG) Keko (UG) and Kagwe Mungai (Kenya).
When she is not making music, Muthoni heads and runs East Africa’s largest Music and lifestyle platform Blankets and Wine. Muthoni is an influential, hardworking ‘BaussLady’.