Jua Cali facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jua Cali
|
|
|---|---|
Jua Cali during a photo shoot for his album, Ngeli ya Genge in 2009
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Paul Julius Nunda |
| Born | 12 September 1979 Nairobi, Kenya |
| Genres |
|
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Calif |
| Associated acts |
|
Paul Julius Nunda (born September 12, 1979), known as Jua Cali, is a famous Kenyan rapper and music producer. In 2000, he started Calif Records with his friend Clemo. This record label became very important in East African music. Jua Cali is known for his unique style of rapping called genge. He often sings in Swahili and Sheng, which is a mix of Swahili and English.
Contents
Jua Cali's Early Life
Jua Cali was born in Eastlands, Nairobi. His parents, Doreen and Evans Onditi, were both teachers. He grew up in California Estate, a place in Nairobi. He started rapping when he was just 10 years old. His older brother, Christopher Sati, encouraged him to rap. As a teenager, Jua Cali was quiet and didn't socialize much.
He went to Ainsworth Primary School and Shepherds Junior Buruburu. Later, he attended Jamuhuri High School. He then studied Information Technology at Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute. While there, he played basketball and hoped to join the Kenyan National Basketball Team. He didn't make the team, saying his height was the reason.
Starting a Music Career
Jua Cali first sang in a band called 'Sita Futi'. This band broke up quickly, leaving Jua Cali and his friend Jemmoh. The other members decided to do other things.
After this, Jua Cali teamed up with his childhood friend Clemo. They created Calif Records. This record label quickly became very popular. It produced many hit songs and helped new artists become famous in East Africa. Calif Records also created the Genge style of Kenyan hip hop. Jua Cali often says his brother Chris and his parents were his biggest inspirations.
Jua Cali's Music Journey
Jua Cali's first song, "Ruka," came out in 2001. The next year, he released "Nipe Asali." In 2004, he worked with Pilipili on the song "Kamata Dame." It took a few years for him to release his first full album.
His album "Juacali Sekta" was released in 2006. It included many songs he had already released. His song "Kwaheri," which featured Sainapei Tande, was a huge hit in Kenya in 2007. At the end of 2008, he released another album called "Ngeli ya Genge." Jua Cali has performed in the US and other countries. In 2007, The Standard newspaper named him one of the 100 most important Kenyans.
His stage name, Jua Cali, comes from California Estate in Nairobi. "Jua" means "Know" in Swahili. So, his name means "Know California." It also sounds like Jua Kali, a Swahili term for the informal economy. Jua Cali has released new songs with a producer named Keggah. Songs like "Karibu Nairobi" and "Kuna Sheng" have been very popular.
Working with Big Brands
Jua Cali is not just a talented musician; he is also very successful in business. Many young people and adults like his music.
Motorola Partnership
In 2007, Jua Cali became the first Kenyan artist to get a big endorsement deal. He signed a deal with the mobile phone company Motorola for their W model phones. Motorola said Jua Cali was a great choice. They felt he represented creativity and style, just like their brand.
Orange Mobile Partnership
Jua Cali is one of the most successful artists in Kenya when it comes to endorsements. In 2009, Telkom Kenya chose him to be the Orange Ambassador for young people. He started a big advertising campaign for 'hello tunes'. Orange also made commercials about Rugby with Jua Cali and top Kenyan rugby players. His fellow artists, Mejja and Jimwat, and their producer Clemo also appeared in these ads.
Pamoja Mtaani Game
Pamoja Mtaani means "together in the hood" in Swahili. It is a video game made by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game is about a group of young people who face challenges in an East African city. The game also teaches players about HIV prevention and building self-confidence. Jua Cali recorded the main song for this video game, called "City in the Sun."
Other Partnerships
Jua Cali has also worked with other major brands. He has appeared in advertisements for Protex bath soap and Pilsner beer. These deals have helped him earn a lot of money. He is also an ambassador for the Bloodlink Foundation Kenya. This foundation helps people in Kenya have better health.
Jua Cali's Albums
- JuacaliSekta (released in October 2006)
- Ngeli ya Genge (released in December 2008)
- TuGenge Yajayo (released in December 2013)
- Mali Ya Umma (released in September 2019)
Awards and Nominations
Jua Cali has won many awards for his music.
Awards Won
- 2006 Kisima Music Awards – Best Boomba Male Artist
- 2007 Chaguo La Teeniez Awards (CHAT Awards) – Best Male Artist and Celebrity of the Year
- 2007 Kisima Music Awards – Best Male Artist and Boomba Male Artist
- 2007 Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) – Best Male Artist (Kenya)
- 2008 Chaguo La Teeniez Awards – Favorite Male Artist, Best Live Stage Performance, and Best Collaboration Song ("Kwaheri" with Sainapei)
Awards Nominated For
- 2006 Chaguo La Teeniez Awards – nominated in three categories
- 2007 MTV Europe Music Awards – Best Africa Act
- 2007 MOBO Awards
- 2008 Tanzania Music Awards – Best East African Song ("Kwaheri")
- 2008 MTV Africa Music Awards – Best Male Artist
