Patricia Kihoro, in a nutshell, is a multi-talented creative genius. Using her talent and passion for singing and acting, she has written, directed and produced her own stage shows which have been a resounding success right from the beginning. She has other interests outside the creative industry and she is not afraid to pursue them. In our interview with her, she tells us about her passion and her dreams.
Who is Patricia Kihoro and what does she do?
I am a singer, actress, radio presenter and all round lover of laughter, adventure and good vibes.
How did your love for music begin?
I’m told I was born singing. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. But I do remember being 8 when my dog Pluto died, and passing by Tune Inn after burying him, and my mum buying me a copy of an All God’s Children tape and me deciding that singing is what I was going to do when I grew up.
When and why did you decide to pursue music professionally?
It really happened when I was 8 and came across the children’s singing group, All God’s Children ranging from the ages of 6-16 and I was amazed by how amazing they were. I decided that if they could do it, so could I. I then vowed to sing at all of my mum’s friends’ weddings.
Women are often objectified in music videos. Do you think this will ever change?
No, I don’t think it’s going to change. For as long as the human body is sexual and is a conduit for sexual release, then its objectification will not stop. But there are also some great music videos out there that don’t objectify women so it’s not all bleak.
Aside from your talent for music, you have other talents. Can you tell us about them?
My friends and I stage a comedy show every couple of months and that goes very well so I think I’m good at that. I also like to dabble in photography, graphic design and DIY crafting. Usually if I set my sights on figuring out how to do something myself, I go for it. But I really enjoy crafting and playing around with fabric. I also like to knit and crotchet. Very exciting, I know. I wrote, directed, produced and performed in my own stage show, which has sold out 7 times. That feat continues to blow me away.
You created your own stage show. What inspired you to do this?
My inspiration came from a guy I was seeing who was giving me a ton of angst to be honest. He gave me quite a bit of grief so writing about it and channelling that on stage was quite cathartic.
As a creative, how has your work been accepted so far?
People really enjoy it, I think because it resonates with them as it’s borne from real life experiences that everyone can resonate with. And because I tend to make fun of myself as well, the fact that people can then laugh at me and themselves is definitely a plus.
What challenges have you faced since you began?
Self doubt. That’s been my biggest one. But also, funds, to be honest. But I make it work. I have wonderful people around me who do so much to help me realise my goals and visions. I can’t thank them enough.
You are also a radio presenter and an actress. How have you been able to balance your different roles?
I really just see it as doing what I love. Because I enjoy these things, I really don’t feel the pressure to “find a balance”.
What personal quality or strength would you say has had an influence on your success so far?
Having the ability to work with the cards I’m dealt and being open to new experiences. If things don’t go the way I had planned, that’s okay, I usually see it as an intervention by God, leading me in the right direction.
Do you believe women can have it all when it comes to career and family?
I believe a woman can and should have whatever it is that she wants. Career and/or family or the other way around. Whatever it is that she wants, as long as it is what she desires, then that is the ‘all” that she should strive for.
Outside the creative industry, do you have other interests?
Yes. Finance and banking. Simply put, I’m interested in having lots of money in my bank account. On a serious note, yes. I studied Pyschology in University and I’m keen to develop some way to tackle mental health issues through my strengths in the art’s industry.
What do you do to relax?
Netflix and chill (Just chilling, not the other kind) or hanging out with my friends.
In the next five years, where do you see yourself?
Hopefully alive and happy, pursuing whatever it is my heart desires then.
Do you do anything to mentor young girls and women who want to follow your path?
For now, I try to personally respond to whoever reaches out to me via email or social media, while I work on establishing something on a larger scale.
The Leading Ladies Africa Series is a weekly interview series that focuses on women of African descent, showcases their experiences across all socio-economic sectors, highlights their personal and professional achievements and offers useful advice on how to make life more satisfying for women.
It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes women empowerment and gender inclusion for women of African descent.
Do you know any woman of African descent doing phenomenal things? Send an email to editor@leadingladiesafrica.org and we just might feature her.
