Blast from the past: Jua Cali

By Caroline Nyanga

Pulse: What’s the naughtiest thing you ever did?

Jua Cali: I used to lie to my parents that I was going to church every Sunday. Instead I used the opportunity to play with my friends from the hood. Lucky for me, I was never caught.

P: What’s with the transformation in your looks?

J: I believe we are all bound to change for better or worse as we grow. As for me, the cornrows have become part of me.

P: Judging from the picture there were things that through your mind?

J: I was like damn! The dude I wish he’d take longer so I can be late for school and escape the bullies.

P: Were you the naughty type?

J: Not really but once in a while I would find myself indulging in naughty acts.

P: What is the craziest thing you ever did?

J: There was time when we had many visitors and this meant food was in plenty. I ended up eating more than my stomach could handle. I got such a bad stomachache, I begun crying. My elder siblings who had been watching me all along really laughed at me.

P: How did you make your first shilling?

J: I recorded hip-hop tapes for fellow students in high school and made some good money out of it.

P: What’s the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

J: I once slipped and fell in front of students from State House Girl’s School. I walked away trying to hide my embarrassment as they laughed. I wished the ground would open up and swallow me.

P: Describe your personality?

J: I am a humble dude by nature who doesn’t believe in hitting back at haters.

P: What’s the most memorable thing your parents ever did for you?

J: They bought me a Kaunda suit on one of my birthdays.

P: How was it like growing up in California Estate?

J: Kama kawaida msoto,kusumbuliwa na makarao ma bash za mtaani, overall ilikua fun.

P: Did you have a nickname?

J: They called me Mzeende.

P: What mean thing did you ever do?

J: I used to steal other kids pigeons(dush).

P: Describe your first kiss?

J: Mbaya! I mean it was nothing close to what I often saw in the movies.