Juliani on his career, love life and fatherhood

Where have you been?

Around – on the job.

Set the record straight: are you a gospel artiste?

You cannot put people in a box. I am creative. Every day, I wake up I have something to say about God – whether I can't afford fare or the cost of unga. When I fall in love with a beautiful girl, I have something to say about it. So, you cannot exclusively say that I am a gospel artiste as if I am not also human. Despite believing in God I experience every possible emotion and struggle human beings go through.

You could say you are a gospel artiste but with your own definition?

Yes. I am a born again Christian. But I don't need to say that every day in my house. I subscribe to the faith the best way I can.

You became a father recently I believe...

Two years ago.

When your baby was born how did it feel?

I felt fear mostly.

Why fear?

Because somebody that I care about dearly was now exposed to some of the worst things in the world. She is human – which is not an easy thing to be. I won't protect her from what she will see or hear. I won't protect her thinking. I was not sure if I will be able to protect her from the world. But I am comforted by the fact that it is God who decided to create her.

Was the fear informed by your own experiences?

Yes. I have lived in an environment that is tougher than usual. I felt trapped in mystery – a mystery I couldn't escape from. As for my daughter, I was just worried that I wouldn't be able to protect her from other people's influence. Particularly because she is a girl: boys can find their way through life.

Has the fear dissipated over the years?

No. It will be with me forever. This is my baby. Being a parent is perhaps the only time you are not selfish; knowing that you have someone to guide through life. If anything happens to your child you will feel broken.

So... what will you do?

The Bible says teach your child in the way of the Lord and they won't steer off. That is what I will do exactly.

Are you married?

Not yet.

So, how would you define your relationship with the mother of your child?

If you need to sleep in a room and only a table (and not a bed) is available what will you do? Will you say that since a bed is not available I won't sleep? People love definitions to make them feel safe. This is what I believe: as long as two people love each other, and you are able to keep going, it is only the two of you who know what it is you have. Someday you may want to get married. But don't get married on other people's expectations.

You have mentioned that your life was tough. How tough?

It wasn't so difficult though. There are people still living it. The only difference between that life and my life today is that it didn't have choices. You can't choose to do something; deliberately; on your own volition. You don't wake up and decide, 'Today I am going to London'. Even when you travel downtown Nairobi it is not because you chose to.

Even these sweet potatoes you are enjoying now are a choice?

Exactly! Before I ate them because it was the only available food. Today, I eat lots of Sukuma Wiki; I drink more black tea; all of which I choose to – deliberately.

You prefer potatoes over bread?

Yes. They are way healthier. The 'bad' food I ate while struggling through that difficult life kept me healthy. I didn't have the luxury of fast foods – and I am grateful for that. In fact, I don't even love fast food.

At this moment in your life what are you most proud of?

I am a father.

And what makes you feel gloomy?

Human beings. Especially people who are yet to discover who they are. And those whose sight does not go beyond the length of their nose. There is so much every individual person has to offer the world. I wish everyone knew that.