I took a year off music to take up religion - Rapper Juliani

What was the one thing you feared in your childhood?

I grew up in the ghettos of Dandosh (Dandora) in Eastlands of Nairobi Kenya, I used to wonder if Babangu alikosea Mungu (If my dad had offended God) to bring us up in that kind of environment near a dumpsite and with a lot of crime gangs in the area. 

Growing up I feared my mum’s kiboko (cane). My mother Alice Aoko Awoko had no problem giving us a thorough beating for any wrong doing.  She believed in the biblical method of canning a child and we got plenty of that but she also prayed a lot for us.  However, my hood has worked for my good.  Like a painting Dandoch is the backdrop of my artistic life.

How did you select music as your career?

I was not good at much else. I wasn’t the most handsome and I wasn’t even a good thief like the rest of my friends. The crime gave them a title and earned them respect. So I had to look for something that would give me title and music was it.

I got involved in singing and poetry with Kalamashaka of Hip Hop in Kenya.  I hang out with them and 2002 we soon started performing at Florida 2000 in 2002.

What are some of your secret hidden thoughts?

I spend a lot of time thinking. I try to crack world problems in my head.  What if the world did not exist? What if God does not exist? When I was young some of my musician friends introduced me to bhang but I could not handle it and cannot stand it. 

It made me think even deeper and when it wore off my mood would get stressed out with the crash. In 2005 I took a year off music and opted to take up religion instead; it is said to be the opium in society and as I sought God or is it He who sought me, life started getting meaning and direction. I began to understand and grow in self confidence in who I am.

Why inspired you to compose the song Wezesha Dada?

Women have a lot of offer they just need to understand themselves.  They are stronger than they are perceived and they can use that strength to benefit humanity.  They should not let someone else to determine their worth.

Why would a man like you be concerned about issues about women?

I am a father of a small mrembo (beautiful girl) and she means a lot to me so it is of person interest to ensure she grows up in a healthy environment.  Music and arts can change the way people think and behave so I use my platform to address issues.  I inspire other men to speak up for their daughters and allow them to go to school.

Tell us about Dandora Hip Hop City.

That’s my project for redefining Dandoch.  It should not to be seen just as a dumpsite ghetto instead Dandora Hip Hop City is a building where we are nurturing talent and developing artists such as musicians. It is a space where they can hang out and develop their talent.  We show them how to develop their artistic talents such as how to write music and run businesses so that they can improve their livelihood.

What is your take on the common saying that music in Kenya cannot pay your bills?

One has to diversify. Artist can make money from various sources such as performances, endorsements and royalties.  I have also developed an easy and reliable digital platform called Mymsanii, clients can book talent for their events and we provide a platform for artists and clients to connect hence create employment and support the industry.