Conversation with Richard Kasika about his work as a voice over Artist and Audio Producer

1.What are your names?

Richard Kasika

2. Where did you go to school?

Howard College Big Spring TX (G.E.D), South Plains College TX (A.Sc Sound Tech), Audio 

Institute of America (Dip. Audio Engineering & Music Production)

3. What did you study?

Audio Engineering & Music Production

4. Tell us about what you do?

I started out as an intern in radio (Family FM - Nairobi), and moved through the ranks as 

production assistant (Fish FM - Eldoret), to production manager (Sanyu FM - Kampala). In 

between, and over the years, I held various positions as studio manager at music studios around 

Nairobi and Kampala. I also worked as sound recordist and editor at Cinematic Solutions in 

Nairobi, and in 2014 left employed positions to establish my own gig: TreeRiver Creative 

where I provide solutions for communications departments at all types of companies. My clients 

have included: Communications Authority of Kenya, St Andrews International School Turi (Kenya), 

Film Aid, Homes Universal, Villa Care, Unilever Tea Kenya (now re-branded Ekkatera) and many 

more. I also produce mission films for Christian organisations as that forms a big part of my 

foundational knowledge and interest in audio since my childhood years.

After a slump in work around the pandemic years, I re-discovered my love for music and 

decided in 2022 to revive my interest in singing. As a singer and songwriter, I am member of 

BMI and a holder of ISRC. These affiliations have given me a broader musical relevance internationally.

5. What are some of the major influences in your past that are determining what you are doing now?

a. My father Abraham Kasika was a media man from the old film days. His lifes work 

dubbing 'The Jesus Film' into over 100 African languages is a masterclass in enduring 

commitment to excellence in audio. He used a steady hand to synchronise tape and 

film (back before there were computers). Watching him at work instilled a purist work 

ethic of making recordings which sound as true to the source as possible, so the 

technology didn't get in the way of what the audience heard.

b. I grew up attending church where my sensibility for music was formed. And I'm 

forever grateful to two people in particular for this; Rev. Beth Muelheisen (music notation genius), 

and Mrs Audrey Langat Rahedi (piano maestro, ensemble conductor, and tough lady). 

They saw that boyish spark in my eyes, and ignited it with their belief and faith in my 

abilities. They taught me how to hear harmony, syncopation, notation and how to 

interpret what other musicians were playing and how to form ideas of my own to 

compliment an ensemble. They held my hand and told me that I could do it. Every 

boy needs someone like that in their life. Later on in life Jack Odongo, Pete Odera 

became the men I would try and emulate on the journey to forming my own original sound.

6. Tell us about some of the projects that you are involved in. I'm compiling a 

collection of old songs of Kenyas 1980's church. I'm singing renditions of public domain 

songs like; Moto, Mwambie Yesu, We Baki Nyuma 'Mi Naenda Na Yesu, and bringing 

them back. I'm calling this collection 'Worship Basics'. I believe that there's such a 

heritage of faith and of simpler times in these old songs for an audience who remembers 

when that was all the music that the church had. Today we have so much new music 

that none of it latches on to memory in the way that it did back in the day. But singing 

songs from memory rather than on youtube, has the power to revive us from within, to 

carry us through times of trouble, and to bring us together.

7. We would like some of your perspectives in the Education sector? Kenya's 

education sector is going through a transition. My daughter is a pioneer of sorts with 

the school system changing from what it's been for 40 years, to a new and experimental 

new paradigm. That's exciting and frightening. But more than anything, I wish our education 

systems would make more space for creativity, especially in music. I also wish we'd get away 

from the old stereotypes of law, medicine, and engineering paths being the only way, and 

empower the artists among us. I believe that our gifts are embedded in us from birth, I wish our 

education would seek children's gifts and empower them in that rather than force them 

down the path of what's popular

8. You grew up in Kenya and have lived in Uganda. Kenya and Ug are so close and 

so different. While some of the best friends I have to this day are people i met while in UG, 

I couldn't actually make any money there because those were also my awkward years . Kenya 

is home but that'll never take the place of my Ugandan heritage of which I'm proud. As far as 

business, I'm open nowadays. I'm in awe of the sheer creative talent in UG, and it seems like 

there's a broader appreciation of music there. On your suggestion alone - I feel like I should 

be reaching out more, for collaborative opportunities in UG. And so I shall.

9.What are the components of the ecosystem in which you work? Would you describe 

yourself as a sound engineer?

How can people who are interested in sound engineering start? For a long time when I was 

starting out the only work I could get as a sound engineer was employed positions in radio - 

which tend to be repetitive, but can also be rewarding. Today, a lot more opportunities exist. My clients 

tend to be communications execs or heads of departments who want voice over and music jingles 

for radio, TV, youtube ads, short videos etc, but when that is not forthcoming, a creative person should 

be able to create art for arts sake. I've been on both sides of that coin, but I have a feeling I'll be 

remembered more for my art than for fulfilling creative department briefs. The real magic is bringing 

ones artistic sense to the corporate world.

Since the technology is fairly affordable nowadays, an audio engineer, or creative person needs to 

stand out, and become known for their unique style and sound. Saddly so many creative people 

spend their entire lives trying to sound like whoever's popular. Find your sound, and make unique music.