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Juliani talks about God, money, sex and power in his life

Living

JulianiYou are one interesting and controversial gospel artiste and there are many misconceptions about you. Who really is Juliani?

I am a man who deeply loves God and is down-to-earth. Contrary to public opinion, I am not a party animal. I love to spend most of my time in the house or the office. I am focused and know what I want in life.

Share your musical journey from the infancy stage…

I realized I was gifted in music at a young age. I used to rap in the streets with my friends and when I was in Form Two at Dandora High School, I joined Mau Mau Camp and started performing in Florida Club. I also performed with Kalamashaka. At first, my parents were against my singing but with time, they accepted that it was my talent.

You are rags to riches story. Tell us some of the challenges you faced growing up and how you overcame them?

I grew up in Dandora Estate and life was miserable and tough for my family and I. I know the true meaning of hustling in Nairobi. The harsh life and conditions in the ghetto made me realize from a young age, that I had to work extra hard, to free myself from the shackles of poverty.

I look at those challenges as stages of success.

 What really made you get saved? We all know you used to engage in evil things with Ukoo Fulani/Mau Mau? Is it the money?

Ha ha ha… We did secular music and due to peer influence, we at times, smoked bhang believing it would help us compose good music. It did not! I got saved in 2005, when I had no money at all. At this time, I was just a hustler and didn’t plan to get saved. However, God just intervened. After salvation, I struggled to make it, but with time, God opened massive doors for me.

Your songs are so powerful and provoking. What inspires your lyrics?

My faith and things that happen around us inspire me. I question why we are poor, why we face problems, why a significant number of young people are unemployed. Since God uses me as medium, l pass messages as He wants — powerful and provocative. My songs are like parables; they do not address God’s issues directly.

You have done a collabo with Jua Cali a secular artiste. Isn’t that going against the biblical principle that says you should not be yoked with unbelievers?

Let me ask you, in a restaurant, would you refuse to eat the food because it has been prepared by non-believers? Are you not there to eat and go! Isn’t the same God who made Juliani the one who created Jua Cali? I don’t regret being part of the collabo.

 

The gospel industry has gone through tremendous change in the past few years. What’s your take on this?

The changes have been for the better. We can now compose and perform music using modern technology. It has opened markets and artistes can sell music online. But we still have a long way to go.

 There is a feeling among Kenyans that the gospel industry has been corrupted and compromised. Are you guilty as charged?

I don’t think so. You can play all dirty tricks or manipulate the gospel, but the word of God will stand tall. However much water you pour onto God’s word, it will never change.

 How many albums do you have?

Three — Mtaa Mentality, Pulpit Kwa Street and Voter versus Vultures. My fourth album is due in April. My hottest song is Utawala.

 Which Kenyan politician do you look up to and why?

None. A politician is always a politician — there isn’t a good or bad politician. However, there are people I look up to and my father tops the list. He was a humble man who struggled to ensure we got education. Others are Bob Collymore, Boniface Mwangi, Mugo Kibati and Gilad Millo.

 If you were an animal which one would you be and why?

Aahh… Hiyo ni noma (this is a hard one). Not really an animal, but a bird. The eagle. The eagle is far sighted and focused. It can stay in the air for long but when it comes down, it picks its prey with ease, without missing.

 Where do you see yourself in five years?

I want to be a voice of influence, which determines the mood and direction of this country. I want to transform Dandora into a hip-hop city.

As an Amiran Kenya’s Poverty Eradication ambassador, I want to educate the youth across the country that farming provides employment and creates wealth. I want to use music to create and install value system in this county. I want to raise young and upcoming musicians in my project— School of Rhyme. I want to organise more shows outside the country.

 Young people want to be like you. What does it take to reach the skies?

Njaa… (hunger). Don’t sit in your comfort zone and expect things to work themselves your way. Come out and do what you can better. Don’t fear to try. Don’t focus on the past, because there are more opportunities ahead. Above all, pray.

 

Tell us about your family and education background.

I was born and brought up in a humble background of Dandora, Nairobi although my roots are in Siaya. I am third born in a family of seven siblings, six boys and a girl. I attended Wangu Primary and later Dandora High School, after which I did various computer packages in private institutes in Nairobi. The rest has been a merciless school of life…

 On a lazy Saturday afternoon, what do you like doing?

I stay indoors unless l have events. I read a lot of general material, which expands my knowledge, especially history.

 Where have you travelled with your music?

I have performed across the country and outside like Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, USA, Denmark and Norway.

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