When Music Meets the Air

A Journey of Inspiration and Empowerment

Inside KQ Cockpit . Photo: Self

As the Founder of Pink Pulse Media and a woman on the console board immersed in the art of sound engineering, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the heartbeat of music. Every beat, every tone, every mix speaks to the soul in ways words can’t. But on my recent journey to attend the Institute of the Musical Arts Summer Program in the United States, I experienced a different kind of rhythm—a rhythm that wasn’t just about sound, but about soaring through the sky.

On my flight from Nairobi to NewYork, I was honored to be flown by two extraordinary women: Captain Irene Koki Mutungi, Africa’s first female Dreamliner Captain, and First Officer Louisa Imbuga, a trailblazer in aviation. As I boarded Kenya Airways that day, I couldn’t help but be in awe of these remarkable women who had shattered ceilings in the aviation industry, much like I aspire to do in the world of music and sound.

For Captain Irene Koki Mutungi, aviation wasn’t just a career—it was a calling. Her passion for flying was ignited at a young age, as she traveled alongside her father, a pilot at Kenya Airways. That early exposure to the skies fueled a dream that led her to become the first female Captain of the Dreamliner and a role model for women aspiring to break barriers. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and the courage to follow her dreams, no matter the challenges.

Inside Studio A at the Institute for the Musical Arts (IMA) . Photo: Self

In a similar vein, my journey to sound engineering has been one of constant learning, experimenting, and pushing boundaries. Just like Irene’s aviation journey, my path in sound engineering has been filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and moments of self-discovery—pushing the boundaries of what I thought was possible. The console board is my cockpit, where I control the frequency, the effects, and the dynamics of sound, just as a pilot controls the flight of a plane. Both roles require precision, a steady hand, and a fearless approach to the unknown. It’s about trusting the systems, understanding the mechanics, and knowing how to make something soar—whether it’s a track or an aircraft.

Photo Curtesy: Kenya Airways

But perhaps the most powerful—and poetic—connection between aviation and music is the way both rely on sound to create a story, a rhythm, a harmony that resonates with the soul. Much like the hum of an aircraft engine creates a subtle rhythm in the air, music uses vibrations to connect people and touch hearts across the globe. In both fields, women have taken the lead to challenge norms and redefine what is possible.

At first glance, aviation and music might seem like completely different worlds. However, the truth is, they share a lot in common. Both are industries that have long been dominated by men, yet today, women are making their mark. As a woman in sound engineering and as the Founder of Pink Pulse Media, a women-led entertainment and events management company, I understand firsthand how important it is to have role models like Captain Koki Mutungi and First Officer Imbuga. Their success is a testament to the fact that no field is off-limits to women if we have the drive, the determination, and the passion to pursue our dreams.

Breaking the Mold: Women in Aviation, Sound Engineering, and Border Control

What Captain Koki Mutungi and First Officer Louisa Imbuga represent is the breaking of boundaries. These women are not just representing Kenya Airways—they’re representing the limitless potential of women worldwide. Similarly, in the world of music, women like me are pushing the boundaries of sound, challenging norms, and creating spaces where our voices can be heard, loud and clear.

Interestingly, my role as a Customs and Border Control Officer also aligns with the essence of what I do. Just like in the cockpit or the studio, my work requires a high level of responsibility, precision, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. And, as I put on my uniform, which bears a striking resemblance to that of a Captain’s, I’m reminded that women belong in all spaces—whether it’s in the skies, in customs, or behind the console. The uniform I wear is not just a symbol of authority, but a reflection of the power women have in roles that have long been male-dominated. It's a visual reminder that we, too, can soar—across different sectors, different roles, and different fields.

Resilience and Empowerment: Rising Above

Photo: Lydiah Dola with IMA Co-founder and CEO June Millington, alongside vocal trainer and theatre director Shellen Lubin.. Photo: Self

Their journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of unwavering determination. It's about using every opportunity to break the mold, soar to new heights, and inspire the next generation to dream big and chase those dreams without hesitation. For young women and girls who are dreaming of their futures—whether in the skies, in the studio, in customs, or beyond—I hope this story serves as a reminder that the world is waiting for you to rise, take your place, and shine.

Final Thoughts

As I continue my studies in sound engineering, I think of women like Captain Irene Koki Mutungi, First Officer Louisa Imbuga, and the many women I work alongside in customs who continue to break barriers. Whether on the console board, in the cockpit, or at the border, we all have the power to create, lead, and make a lasting impact.

To every young woman and girl out there dreaming of their future: remember, the sky is not the limit—your potential knows no bounds.