Juliani: Jua Cali is the greatest artiste Kenya has ever had
Rapper Juliani has declared veteran musician Jua Cali the greatest artiste Kenya has ever produced, citing his unmatched influence, celebrity power, and cultural impact on the country’s entertainment industry.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Juliani made the bold statement while reflecting on Kenya’s music evolution and the artistes who shaped it. In his view, no other Kenyan musician has commanded the ground or redefined celebrity status the way Jua cali did at his peak.
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“In my opinion, Jua Cali is the biggest artist ever in Kenya,” Juliani said. “There’s never been an artist ambaye alikuwa anaweza shutdown ground. Even now, unless Mimi Siko poa, which I think I am, I’m in tune with what’s happening on the ground, there has never been a bigger celebrity.”
According to Juliani, Jua Cali did more than release hit songs; he transformed what it meant to be a public figure in Kenya’s music scene.
“He’s the one who transitioned us to celebrity,” he stated, emphasising that Jua Kali elevated artistes from performers to full-fledged national icons.
Music as therapy
Reflecting on his upbringing and early musical influences with the Ukoo Fulani Mau Mau music group, Juliani described music as a form of therapy. Growing up in environments marked by hardship and violence, he said art became a way to process difficult realities.
“You wake up in the morning, and you hear gunshots. Someone is killed. So how do you get through this? Most people get into crime. But the lyrics were therapy,” he explained.
“For me, I think music or art is the most powerful tool you can ever use to develop a society.”
Though often associated with gospel music, Juliani clarified that his artistry has always centred on questioning and discovery rather than rigid labels.
“I was born again in 2005, but that’s different. Every lyric was trying to understand life. It wasn’t a conclusion that Jesus is Lord; it was like, why am I like this? Why are we like this?”
He also emphasised his versatility as an artiste. “When I play live, I play rock. On the beat right now, I have a house. I’m an artist, the canvas will change anytime.”
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William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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