Juliani. The streets' conscience. Urban poet. Lyricist par excellence. Kenyan Icon.
Possessing an unmatched socio-political nous, beautifully tempered in spirituality, Juliani comes correct with an infectious message of religious, social and political emancipation, fresh and relevant in today's society. His sleek and unique lyrical flow, passionate delivery and electrifying performance have collectively and officially hailed him as "an important voice for our time" (Eric Wainaina).
The accolades continue.
An ascending star of and beyond the Kenyan music scene, Juliani has won multiple awards both in Kenya and the USA, the former being a Groove award for 'Hip-hop Song of the Year' (from his debut LP of the same name, 'Mtaa Mentality'), and the latter a Talanta award as the coveted 'Male Artist of the Year'. In 2009, he scooped two Kenyan Groove awards, including 'Hip-hop Song of the Year' ('Biceps') and 'Album of the Year' ('Mtaa Mentality'). In 2010, he picked up 'Male Artist of the Year' at the Insyder CHAT awards as as well Groove's highly acclaimed 'Songwriter of the Year'. In 2011, he won 'Best Live Performer' at the Insyder CHAT awards.
Welcome to the past.
Juliani was born and bred in the sprawling eastern suburb of Dandora. He grew up as part of a large family, with one sister and five brothers. It wasn't long before the cultural hip-hop influences of the community began to rub off on him. Recognized as the spiritual home of many Kenyan hip-hop icons, idolized musicians such as Kalamashaka and Ukoo Fulani sprung to notoriety from Dandora, and heavily influenced him.
Juliani has collaborated with the likes of KORA winner Eric Wainaina and Afro-fusion sensation Kanjii, as well as Kisima Nominees Holy Dave, and Wenyeji. Following the post-election violence in Kenya in early 2008, he got together with other top-name artists to record the multi-award winning Wakenya Pamoja single and video. The memorable musical fusion incorporated over 30 different acts, including comedian Churchill, Suzzana Owiyo, Abbi, Pete Odera and Rufftone. Internationally, he's performed at the annual Zanzibari music festival, opened for Jamaican reggae sensation Chevelle Franklin, and partnered with innovative French electro-fusion outfit Kanine Records.
Be relevant.
Forever socially conscious, Juliani represented Kenya at the 2009 UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. He has supported causes such as the World Vision Peace Tour, Vina Na Maana (a campaign against Economic Partnership Agreements), Stand Up Against Poverty (UN Millennium Campaign For MDG's), Emmanuel Jal's 'Lose 2 Win' campaign (where he committed to send a share of every CD sale to the school building project in South Sudan), and has been a facilitator at the NCA conscious music workshop, not to mention his support for the monthly WAPI (Words & Pictures) initiative.
Make change.
In 2011, his social awareness continues with inspiring abundance, having launched 'KAMA SI SISI'. A one of a kind attitude change campaign, KAMA SI SISI targets, empowers and enlightens Kenyan youth to be responsible and accountable to themselves and their community, to work toward the positive improvement of their surroundings - politically, economically, socially and spiritually...''Taking care of yourself by taking care of others."
KAMA SISI SI has operated as a crucial 'change' vehicle, created and utilised to carry key messages in social development. They include: wise investment, governance & leadership, freedom of information, and climate change. This critical, relevant and inspiring information is disseminated through musically charged university tours across Kenya, as well as a number of 'Music Summits' headlined and facilitated by non other than Juliani.
Music is core.
2011 also saw the release of Juliani's highly anticipated second LP, 'Pulpit Kwa Street' (PKS). Already dubbed a ''classically definitive record'' by the likes of Jeff Konienge (Kenya's prolific TV personality), Kanjii Mbugua and more, PKS has once again showcased Juliani's remarkable ability in so perfectly capturing people's hearts musically, and minds, lyrically.
'Bahasha o Campo', PKS's first single release, not only reached the top of every radio station's playlist, but additionally sparked wide public debate, due to its intriguingly conscious lyrics. Single number two, 'Exponential Potential', is exactly as its title, a rambunctiously addictive people's anthem, at its exponential peak of potential.
