ONE ON ONE: Filmmaker, writer and artist Mbithi Masya

Mbithi Masya is a filmmaker, writer and artist born and raised in Nairobi. He is a member of the acclaimed experimental group Just a Band.

He has just concluded work on his first feature film, Kati Kati, which is scheduled to premiere at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival. The film has been produced by award winning filmmaker, Tom Tykwer, One Fine Day Films and Ginger Ink Films.

1. What was the inspiration behind the movie Kati Kati? And how pleased are you that it is being showcased at an international festival?

​Kati Kati was inspired by the passing of a really close friend. I was in a dark introspective period when I was approached by One Fine Day films to work on their next film. My thoughts and meditations on her passing led to Kati Kati, which I developed with Mugambi Nthiga.

I'm glad it's being shown at a prestigious festival such as TIFF. It's very validating and affirming. I hope the film will be seen by as diverse an audience as possible. ​

2. Has film always been your passion?

​Yes. Although I was more of a cinephile than a filmmaker growing up. Being in Just A Band allowed me to explore my creative potential and really try stuff out. I eventually decided to pursue filmmaking and art full time.

3. What is the importance of films being shown internationally as well as locally?

​I think it's a matter of validation. Seeing that our voices as Kenyans matter on the global scope of things. Local success is always good but international recognition and celebration is just as important. Especially when local reception can be sometimes muted. ​

4. What prompted the JAB break? And do you think you guys will stick to the 2-year timeline before getting back together?

​It was the right time. Just A Band had always been a playground that allowed us to explore and push ourselves creatively to see what we were capable of. It was just the right time for us to try and apply everything we had learnt on our own.

Allowing us to gain new experiences that we could bring back to the group, once the break is over. Hopefully, making us better for it.

5. Is it hard not currently being part of a band? You guys have been together for a while; it must seem like you're practically brothers.

We've fought, we've made up, we've travelled the world together and so much more that really has made us brothers. As much as we're on a break, I still know I can count on them if I need them, and the same goes for them. We still chat, just less frequently. We took a break from playing as Just A Band together, but we're still cool. Just A Band is still here.

6. Speaking of brothers, there were some pretty cool pictures of you guys, and other family and friends, having great fun on your wedding day, years ago. What was your favourite part of that day?

​When she said, "I do."​

7. What would you say is the most important lesson you as a couple have learnt from each other through these years?

​Patience and perseverance. We've learnt to get through things together. It's allowed us to get to this place where she has released her first solo album and I'm putting out my first film. ​

8. Now, because you're in a band, I have to ask - what's your favourite type of music to listen to? Do you make music that is your favourite?

​I'm really eclectic in the types of music I listen to. And I think the music I make or have made has been influenced by everything I listen to. It's a weird mix.

10. What next? Another movie? A theatrical spectacle? World domination, etc.?

Hopefully another film. But first, we put out Kati Kati.

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