Jua Cali, born Paul Julius Nunda on September 12, 1979, is a highly influential Kenyan hip hop artist known for his captivating music and contributions to the East African music scene.
With his unique style and talent, he has garnered immense popularity, becoming one of Kenya’s most successful and wealthy rappers.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Early Life and Education
Jua Cali was raised in Eastlands, a vibrant neighborhood in Nairobi.
His parents, Doreen Onditi and Evans Onditi, were both schoolteachers who instilled a strong sense of discipline and education in him.
Growing up in a strict Catholic household, Jua Cali had a relatively introverted nature and found solace in music from a young age.
Inspired by his elder brother, Christopher Sati, he developed a passion for rap and began honing his skills at the age of 10.
Education played an important role in Jua Cali’s early life.
He attended Ainsworth Primary School, Shepherds Junior Buruburu, and Jamuhuri High School before pursuing a diploma in Information Technology at Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute (K.C.I.T.I) in Eastleigh.
During his school years, he also pursued basketball, harboring dreams of representing the Kenyan National Basketball Team.
However, his aspirations were hindered by his height
Spouse
Jua Cali is happily married to his wife, Lilly Asigo, and they have three children together.
Music Career
Jua Cali’s foray into the music industry began with his involvement in the band Sita Futi, which unfortunately disbanded shortly after its formation.
Undeterred, Jua Cali teamed up with his childhood friend Clemo to establish Calif Records in 2000.
This record label quickly became a hit factory, dominating the East African music scene with chart-topping artists and pioneering the Genge genre of Kenyan hip hop.
Jua Cali released his first recorded track, “Ruka,” in 2001, followed by “Nipe Asali” in 2002. Collaborations with other artists, such as Pilipili on the track “Kamata Dame” in 2004, further solidified his rising star status.
However, it was in 2006 that Jua Cali released his breakthrough album, “Juacali Sekta,” which garnered widespread acclaim.
Over the years, Jua Cali’s music career soared to new heights.
He released hit singles like “Kwaheri” featuring Sainapei Tande, which became a national sensation in 2007.
Subsequent albums, such as “Ngeli ya Genge” in 2008/2009, and international tours further cemented his reputation as a captivating performer.
He has recently released hits such as Wajakoya, karibu Nairobi, Wayoyo among other hits.
Worth
Jua Cali’s success in the music industry, coupled with lucrative endorsement deals, has contributed to his substantial net worth.
Notably, he became the first Kenyan artist to secure a million-shilling per year endorsement deal with mobile phone manufacturer Motorola in 2007.
He has also served as an ambassador for Telkom Kenya and appeared in advertisements for Protex bath soap and Pilsner beer.
