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Veteran rapper Paul Julius Nunda aka Jua Cali, credited for being among the pioneers of Genge music has spoken on the new Gengetone music genre that has sparked heated debate and divided netizens’ opinions.
A section of Kenyans on twitter have been up in arms demanding Gengetone be banned in the country due to the nature of the content, terming it as ‘s**** music’.
Speaking during an interview on Milele FM, Jua Cali defended the music genre, explaining that the music style was unique. The father of two added that if he wouldn’t have stepped up to support the upcoming youth venturing into the Gengetone music genre, the generation would have lost their way.
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“Lazima watu wa understand kitu moja, mimi kama msanii especially nlianzisha hii genge music, imagine kama mimi ninge turn around nianze kukashifu hawa vijana ingekuwa ni wrong sana. For me ilikuwa humbling sana wao kuita mziki wao Gengetone nikama walikuawanatry kuambia watu mahali influence imetoka” said the rapper.
Gengetone is relevant
The celebrated musician argued that Gengetone revolves around relevant topics that young people relate with therefore, should not be condemned.
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“Usi expect msanii mdogo aanze kuimba kuhusu NHIF ama sukari imepanda. Bado wako home. Hii kitu lazima imove natural, polepole tu. The more wataendelea ku grow the more content itachange. Kina Sailors wameanza so with time ita change,” said Jua Cali.
Despite the trolling on social media, Jua Cali said he is happy to be a musical inspiration to the Gengetone generation, adding theta he would not mind letting his children listening to the music.
“Niko blessed, niko happy kua bado hapa kuona tumeinfluence a whole generation. It’s okay wao wakiskiza I don’t mind,” he concluded.
Gengetone supporters
Other than Jua Cali, Sailors music group manager, Mwalimu Rachel also expressed her unwavering support to the music genre explaining that the government does not accord Kenyan youths any support and should therefore not condemn their choices.
“I have said this before and will repeat...the youth are curving a way for themselves. Gava has let them down, there’s almost no one guiding/mentoring them. Gengetone is that avenue for them to speak out and earn some money. If judgment is all they get, they shall rebel.
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“I wish all these people calling out Gengetone actually did something to “better the situation” and not just tweeting here. LOL. I won’t argue with people who haven’t gone to their pockets or spent time to speak to their guys kwa mtaa who are doing Gengetone. I’m playing my part. Wewe je? I will support and guide my son if he decides to do Gengetone. He’s lucky. I understand the industry. And we will make lots of money,” she said.
