He has been in the music industry
for many years and has managed to
remain relevant in this competitive
business.
Paul Nunda, commonly known as
Jua Cali, has a unique style of
music and ability to use sheng
lyrically. He released his third
album in September.
Tell us about your new album?
It is called Tugenge Yajayo. Most of
the songs talk about issues that
people go through every day. I also
have a few collabos in the album,
like the one I did with Juliani, Si
Siri , and another one with Jovial, a
female singer from the Coast. The
album also has the Kunasheng song
which I am doing a remix of.
What can you say about artistes
of your time who still haven’t
released a single album?
I really can’t speak for them but I
do what I do because I respect
music and I love to create. As a
singer, the only way to show my
fans that I love music is by
releasing songs. For an artiste not
to have a single album is either
they are lazy or lack passion.
I have to ask: what’s with the
hair, Samson the strong man?
(Laughs out loud). In this industry
there are a lot of people coming up
and therefore I had to do
something to stand out. I know you
can argue that when I started out,
there weren’t many musicians but
even if you are just three or 20,
you still have to stand out.
What are your weaknesses and
strengths, musically?
My greatest weakness is that I
sometimes want to sing in a song
but end up rapping. I really admire
male musicians who can sing. My
strength, I can say, is that my
songs are relatable; they affect
people.
Was it true that you and
Sanaipei Tande were an item?
When people see two musicians
singing together they create
fantasies about them. We did
Najuta and Kwaheri together and
everyone just assumed we were
involved. It is not true. Sanaa is
like a sister to me. We have come
a long way in music and she is one
of the most talented musicians I
know.
So who is the lucky lady,
assuming you are not single?
Of course I am not single. I have a
girlfriend and we have been
together for three years. We have
a son. He is over a year old. I try
as much as possible not to put
them in the limelight because I
don’t want them to be scrutinised
all the time like me. I can’t walk
on the streets without someone
recognising me but they can and I
think that it is important for them
to keep their privacy.
How do you deal with groupies?
Has this strained your
relationship with your
girlfriend?
In the beginning yes, it did. But
when you are in a relationship it
helps to talk about things and trust
should be paramount. As much as
they are groupies, they are also
your fans and you can’t just tell
them off. I try very much to speak
to them using body language and
show that I am not interested. It’s
not always easy…
Your take on music now?
The moment there are new faces it
means music is growing, but what
most musicians should put in their
minds so that we can be able to
move forward is that it is
important they take it as a job as
much as it is fun. Do not forget
that it is work. If I can be able to
depend on music to feed my
family, then yes, I think we are on
the right track.
Future plans?
Releasing more albums and more
music and would like to venture
into acting. It was through the
power of God and fans that I have
been able to reach where I am
right know and I know He is not
done with me I can foresee even
greater things coming my way.
