Artist on Artist: Ashé x Jean Wamaitha

Ashé (Ashley Kitonga) is a Kenyan-born and raised singer-songwriter based in Nairobi who made her debut this year with her single ‘Rebirth’ and a few features. She is a multidisciplinary artist, dabbling in photography (she serves as one of WhoWhatWhere’s photographers), modeling, and a bit of sculptural art. “I live in my own little world most of the time and I love to share it with everyone else through my art.”

Jean Wamaitha is the avant-garde force redefining the fashion landscape. As a multifaceted artist, they weave the roles of a fashion designer, model, and stylist. Currently specializing in upcycled fashion, she creates pieces that transcend traditional boundaries and embrace eco-conscious practices, creating a lifestyle that reflects the values of mindful consumption and responsible creation. By posting glimpses into their creative process through their social media, Jean hopes to cultivate a growing community of like-minded individuals, fostering a collective commitment to conscious fashion. She draws inspiration from the pulsating energy of the vibrant Nairobi creative spaces and nightlife, seamlessly blending artistry, sustainability, and a contagious zest for life.

In our first ‘Artist on Artist’ feature, we paired the two creatives with Ashé as the muse and Jean as the stylist.

Creative direction & photography by Cormac Ajwang.

Jean: What was it like working with a stylist for the first time? I definitely enjoyed working with you (being my first styling gig). You were open to the constant messaging from me and that helped clarify the vision we wanted to achieve, especially the feedback on the mood board. It can be hard to execute a shoot when you’re not in constant communication so i’m really happy you were open to it. I also had to do a bit of digging (stalking) to see what would work with your aesthetic because i’m big on brand consistency. The fact that you loved the fits made me feel validated in my research skills.

Ashé: It was honestly better than I expected. From the few words and thoughts we shared in preparation for the shoot, you read my mind and executed it so effortlessly. Everything rolled out so perfectly cause we took time to let each other know the type of vibe we wanted to bring for this shoot. You’re just a natural when it comes to styling and you have really a very beautiful, unique fashion sense and kind spirit. I’m happy and honoured that you’re the first stylist I’ve got to work with and I’m definitely looking forward to creating more with you.

Jean: Thank you! You are incredibly kind as well and talented, in both your music and in front of the camera. as a stylist i think you can just put together a fit but the muse has to have a level of confidence to rock them which you did naturally. I am definitely looking forward to working with you again.

Do you find yourself incorporating fashion into your music as a form of visual storytelling? Like in your shows, do you try convey a message through the fits you wear (to the crowd or yourself)? And do you think the artists who inspire your work do this?

Ashé: Yeah most definitely. Prepping for my show fit is as important as prepping for my setlist. When I’m on stage I like to feel real comfortable in my clothing and I try to match the aura of the space where the show is happening in a way that expresses my own style. My show fits are a confidence booster and also help me connect with the audience cause you know people go off when they’re going to live shows. It feels really good to tell someone “I love your outfit” and see them gleam with happiness as they tell you the same. My image and the way I carry myself is very important to me during every performance, and in general wherever i am. I do my own styling so far but I would definitely love to work with a stylist and our local fashion brands to build my stage persona.

As I venture into the modeling and photography world, I’ll definitely intertwine it with my music. Whether it be for covers for my next releases or visual projects for the same. I find that when music is paired with a visual canvas, it acts like a guide to the emotional context of the song and amplifies the message trying to be conveyed. So every little piece of the picture, or video or live performance gives more context and helps people understand and enjoy the music more. Incorporating fashion into these visuals is peak storytelling, It helps to make a statement and is fun way to connect with myself and so many others.

Ashé: The artists that inspire me do that too, for sure! Some of them being: Greentea Peng, Erykah Badu, Cleo Sol, Solange, Sade… they all bring themselves out so authentically on stage and in their visuals. I remember the first time I saw Zowie Kengocha live, it was at Shelter for one of the Meet Me shows. She had on this beautiful black mesh dress and adorned herself with gorgeous accessories including some gold elf-ear cuffs. She was so enchanting. Seeing her perform so effortlessly in her stunning outfit made my night. Capespring also goes so hard with his fits. All of them inspire me a lot too.

Do you think music helps you channel out energy when it comes to putting an outfit together or picking a certain aesthetic?

Jean: Music definitely influences my mood and creativity so I use it to channel a specific type of energy or vibe in my styling process. I loved that you gave me your desired aesthetic from the song Maneater because it set the tone for the outfits, Especially look 3 (the afro punk look). Even during the shoot, the music you played definitely set the vibe and influenced the energy you wanted to convey through the outfits.

Jean: Besides music, what else do you want people to know you for?

Ashé: That’s a really good question. I’m still getting used to being seen and being known by more people so in general I’d say, I want people to know me for the love I bring into this world. This actually influences the name I want to go by, Ashé, meaning ‘the power that makes things happen’ in Yoruba. Being known by my full government name is kinda unsettling. I also wanted something that resonates with my first name Ashley cause I identify with it more than my other names. What about you?

Jean: I love how you’re intentional even about your stage name, it’s so beautiful. I would love to be known for my kindness and hopefully it inspires others to be a bit more kind, to others and themselves. It isn’t easy though, because, in the words of my lord and savior Rihanna, all of my kindness is taken for weakness. I really don’t like that because being kind can be one of the hardest things ever. But life is a lot nicer when people are kind so I’ll still try to be kind.

Jean: In your perspective, how do music and fashion complement each other in the broader cultural landscape, especially the Nairobi nightlife?

Ashé: Music and fashion often intertwine to express and influence cultural trends. Artists use style as a visual extension of their music, shaping the overall aesthetic of a movement or genre while fashion draws inspiration from music, reflecting the mood and attitude of different musical eras. Together, they create a dynamic cultural dialogue, influencing and reflecting societal shifts in taste and identity. The city nightlife has definitely impacted both my taste in fashion and music with it’s vibrant and diverse nature. What are your thoughts on the same?

Jean: I think that this integration creates a mutually beneficial relationship between music and fashion. Events like the Studio 18 Karibu Nairobi pop up exemplifies this.

The emergence of musical genres like Gengetone or Alt RnB has introduced a distinct sound that blends genres like Afrobeats, UK Grime and even alternative music, contributing to the diversification of Kenya’s music landscape. In terms of fashion, this has enabled musicians to embrace unconventional styles like streetwear, while blending elements of traditional heritage to create distinct identities e.g the AKIBA 254 set. Overall, this scene has played a huge role in celebrating creativity and pushing boundaries within Kenyan music and fashion, while shaping and reflecting the evolving cultural landscape.

Jean: Lastly, based on your stage name, Ashé, what elements of your stage persona do you carry into your personal style on a day to day basis?

Ashé: Styling my hair and finding cute ways to wear it, going with an aesthetic that goes with the vibe I’m on and helps me stay present and accessories. I’d never miss these on or off the stage.