Tonnies interview with Jua Cali

Jua Cali
Blistering Hot

The heat wave spewed out from Calif, and it seems like there is no way of stopping it. It came in the form of Paul Nunda… famously known as JuaCali. He speaks to HFM’s Anthony Nabiliki

Why the name Jua Cali?

Jua Cali is a representation of self and my hood, which is California estate. Many people did not know where California estate is since it is virtually swallowed by the wider Eastleigh. But Jua Cali is basically me as my identity and California. My way of making my hood shine and be known.

Genge is a unique sound synonymous with Calif records, how did the name come to be?

Genge is Swahili for a mass of people “genge la watu”. Actually Clemo (Calif records CEO and producer) came up with the name. It means that this type of music is appealing to large masses. That was our vision from the start to create a sound that is streetwise and many people can easily identify with. Genge is basically everyday talk, the everyday happenings, the everyday emotions especially amongst the youth and young at heart. That is why the deep “sheng” is a major attribute of it.

Growing up did you always know that you would be a musician?

I never envisioned myself being a musician. The first time it hit me that I could actually stand infront of a crowd and perform was back in high school. We had a small Hip-hop group back then. There was this one time when I was in form four, our school, Jamhuri High, was hosting a variety show. We had no musical act to present so our group was asked to put on a show. The performance went really well and it actually gave me enough psych to pursue music

Tell us about your humble beginnings

Clemo and myself started Calif records in 1999; at that time people didn’t take us so seriously. I was the first recording artist at Calif records. I remember after I did my first single ‘Ruka’, we went to the Capital FM studios and met Jimmy Gathu, then a presenter at the station. We actually bumped onto him in the lift and gave him our CD so he could try it out. Having being born and bred at Kariakor estate, Jimmy understood the language in the song and gave us airplay in the radio station. From then on I’ve been on a roll and have come this far.

You have grown immensely and are now recognized as one of the best new age musical products in the country, what is your recipe?

I don’t think there is that special recipe. Maybe it is because I am an artist who is not scared of experimenting. But most of all in everything I do, I strive to be real, to be myself and to always be consistent.

Who has been your greatest influence musically?

I can’t pinpoint any particular person and say that they’ve influenced me musically. Owing to my elder brothers love for Hip hop, I can say I was introduced to music at a very early age. In standard 2 I was listening to NWA and all the other old school guys, and I loved Hip hop from that way back. My influence right now comes from a mix of various sounds.

Notable achievements?

In 2006 I released my first album called JuaCalisekta. Right now I am working on my second album, which will be out very soon. As an artist I have also gotten the chance to literally tour the globe, plus the awards I have so far won.

Among all your hits, which stands out as your personal favorite?

‘Nikipotea Tena’ it’s a song I did as a dedication to my fans all over country. As I mention the various towns, it is a way of showing my fans upcountry that even if we are here in Nairobi, we are always together.

What message do you carry across in your music?

I am very versatile in my music. I don’t have a particular message. It actually depends on what I am feeling at that moment when I am composing a particular song. That particular feeling is what will be reflected in the song.

Are Kenyan musicians being shortchanged when it comes to copyright and royalties?

It is sad but true that some of our artists are ignorant, and ignorance never plays as an excuse. They just have to be knowledgeable and act accordingly to pursue their own rights. Personally I am a registered member of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya, and believe it or not I got paid my royalties. I don’t choose to dwell on the amount and everything, but at the end of the day I know I am earning from my efforts.

Are you seeing someone?

Yes I am very much hooked up

What about the pressure from females now that you are a star?

I simply don’t let it get to me. It is not that hard to brush off some advances.

Are you into any sports?

I love basketball. Right now I only watch because of the lack of time. But I used to play a lot of basketball and soon I will ensure that I’ll be creating some time for the basketball court.

Are you involved in any charity activities?

I do some charity work through organizations and some on my own. Like just the other day we were at Kayole in a children’s home where we spent some time with the kids. I was also involved jointly with other musicians in two projects involving anti-drugs abuse sensitization and HIV AIDS sensitization.

The Motorola AD was a showstopper, have you ever considered modeling?

No, no, no, I have never thought of that. For me it is music to the end. But the Motorola AD was good for myself and the industry as a whole. It shows we are being recognized as a formidable musical force in the continent.

What should your fans expect from you?

Of course my album that is coming out in the near future. It s called ‘Ngeli ya Genge’. About 90 percent of the tracks in the album are brand new and my fans should expect to be blown away.