1979
Born in Eastlands
Paul Julius Nunda is born in Nairobi and raised in California Estate — the place that gave him his name.
THE STORY
From California Estate to the whole continent.
Born Paul Julius Nunda, he took his name from home — Jua Cali, "know California" — the Eastlands estate where a quiet boy started rapping at ten.
In 2000 he co-founded Calif Records and, in Sheng and Swahili, helped forge Genge — the sound of Nairobi's streets that went on to rule East African airwaves.
Twenty-five years later, he is not just an artist. He is a movement.
25
YEARS
100
MOST INFLUENTIAL
1
NATIONAL HERO
