Jua Cali

Paul Julius Nunda born on September 12, 1979, better known by his stage name Jua Cali, is a Kenyan hip-hop artist. In 2000, together with record producer Clemo, he founded Calif Records where he has been ever since. Jua Cali performs in Swahili and Shengm in a popular Kenyan style of rapping called genge.

His first recorded track was Ruka, released in 2001 and was followed by Nipe Asali in 2002. In 2004 He collaborated with Pilipili on the track “Kamata Dame”. Like most Kenyan artists, it took several years before his first full album was released. His album “Juacali Sekta” reached the stores in 2006, containing mostly previously released singles.

His single Kwaheri (featuring Sainapei Tande-winner Coca-Cola pop star and radio presenter) was a major hit in Kenya in 2007. On New Year’s Eve 2008/2009 he released a new album, Ngeli ya Genge. He has toured the US and other countries.  

In August 2007, he was among the 100 most influential Kenyans as selected by The Standard newspaper.

His stage name Jua Cali, is derived from California, an estate in Nairobi (as is the name of Calif Records). It also resembles Jua Kali, a Swahili term meaning fierce sun, which has been taken to refer to Kenya’s informal sector of the economy.

He has released a series of new songs with a new producer Keggah based in the United States. His new songs include Karibu Nairobi and Kuna Sheng which have both received massive airplay and good reviews.

Awards

2006 Kisima Music Awards – Boomba Male
2007 Chaguo La Teeniez Awards (CHAT Awards) – Best Male & Celebrity of the Year
2007 Kisima Music Awards – Best Male Artist & Boomba Male.
2007 Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) – Best Male Artist (Kenya)
2008 Chaguo La Teeniez Awards – Favourite Male Artiste & Best Live Stage Performance & Best Collabo Song (“Kwaheri” with Sainapei).
Nominated
2006 Chaguo La Teeniez Awards – nominated in three categories, but won none of them
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