Hip Hop artist Juliani graces today's cover of Sunday Nation's Buzz Magazine. He shares with readers about his musical influences, his affiliation with Ukoo Flani Maumau camp and his transition to salvation. He also gives a shout-out for his nomination in the upcoming Talanta Awards taking place this Saturday in Raleigh North Carolina. Less than a month ago, fellow Hip Hope artiste Astar (Richard Njau) also graced the cover of the magazine and did an interview. However, after reading what had been published, Astar hit up KenyanGospel.com and pointed out that the article was full of half-truths. He said that they left out most of what he had wanted to share with readers. We advice all to read his official bio in the artists section. Also check out the interview we had with Juliani and compare it with the interview he had with the newspaper.

View the interview on the original magazine here

Since he talks about the song Jesusnosis, listen below.

JULIANI'S INTERVIEW WITH SUNDAY NATION'S BUZZ WRITER NJERI KIHANG'AH

BUZZ: Juliani, is that your real name?

Juliani: No. Actually I am Julius Owino.

So how did you end up being Juliani?
K-Shaka gave me that name when I was just starting out so it grew on me. I think that meant that he had seen potential in me, so he went ahead and gave me a stage name.

Where was your first rap gig?
I did my first gigs at F2 and that’s where I began to grow my music.

How would you describe your music?
Hip-hop.

Really?
I think it’s something to do with the delivery. I try to be different in how I do my music.

Any influences?
Well, I grew up with guys from Ukoo Flani Mau Mau, then I became one of them. I would listen to a lot of Biggie Smalls and Jay Z. I also had an uncle who sang zilizopendwa.

So are you still a part of Ukoo Flani Mau Mau?
Yes I am. You can’t stop being a part of them. To me, Ukoo Flani represents a relationship that began when I was still very young.

Doing any music with them?
I did some, a track ‘Jesus-nosis’ in their album ‘Dandora Burning.’ Right now guys are working on solo projects. I’m working
on my album.

So when should we expect it?
In December. I’m doing it with a couple of guys.

Anyone we know?
Ukoo Flani, Hip-Hope and other new guys.

From the club to church. How did that happen?
I come from a very spiritual background. My parents have been saved for as long as I can remember but the influence from my friends Artur and Brio made me cross over, I got saved because I wanted to know God.

So what’s the difference?
I’m better now, passionate about music. Now I have a positive message of hope for the youth and children. This time I give
issues and solutions to those issues from my point of view.

What is your point of view?
Everyone in this world has issues they are dealing with: drugs, immorality and all that but no one is talking about it. Hawataki
kujianika yet they know what they did jana. But I give truth. Being real is the only way to get through to the youth.

Congratulations on winning a Groove award, any more projects?
Thank you, I am also up for an award in the US; Talanta awards.

Word is you’ve been training some TZ musicians?
True. I’m involved with the Norwegian Church Aid which takes me to Bongo quiet often to speak to the artistes there on what
we call conscious hip hop…mziki yenye ina inspire.

In the next five years, you will have…
Hopefully released more albums, done more international shows, and ultimately become a voice of change in this generation. I want to stand out, make a difference.

Besides music and shows, you do…
Music and shows. That’s it.

So how do you survive?
Ni ujanja wako, it’s about marketing yourself. I mean what you get could be better but as an artiste you need to know what you want,
and market yourself as the best for that job.

FACT FILE

Age: 24
School: Wangu Primary in Dandora and crossed the fence literally, to join Dandora High School.
Music: Hip-Hop
1st stage act: At F2 in 2000
Mentors: K-Shaka, Kanjii
Producer: Blackman, Kanjii of kijiji.
Good food: Chapo dondo
Hang out: Kwa hao tu
Comfort is: T-shirt, Jeans na viatu za chini chini (sporty)
Dark days: Za kuveveka, na bhangi
The one person you would like to meet: King Solomon
Why: He had it all and still called it vanity.