Kenya’s legendary music duo, Jua Cali and Beat Ya Clemo, were among those feted during the Mashujaa Day 2025 celebrations for their outstanding contribution to the country’s arts and culture. The two were recognised under the Arts and Creative Industry category, a tribute to their two-decade impact in shaping Kenya’s urban sound and inspiring a generation through Genge music — a genre they not only created but turned into a cultural movement.
The recognition marks a defining moment for the founders of Calif Records, who helped lay the foundation for modern Kenyan music long before streaming, digital distribution and global collaborations became common. From their modest studio setup in Nairobi’s California Estate in the early 2000s, Jua Cali (Paul Julius Nunda) and producer Clemo (Clement Rapudo) began experimenting with Sheng-based lyrics, local beats and relatable storytelling that spoke directly to Nairobi’s youth. Their sound gave rise to an entire generation of artists and listeners who finally heard themselves (their slang, struggles and joy) reflected in mainstream music.
When Ruka, Ngeli ya Genge and Kwaheri hit the airwaves, they did more than dominate charts; they redefined what Kenyan identity in music could sound like. Clemo’s gritty yet melodic productions fused local percussion with hip-hop influences, while Jua Cali’s smooth flow and authentic Sheng storytelling became the heartbeat of the streets. Together, they built Calif Records into a cultural powerhouse that launched careers for artists such as Nonini, Mejja, Jimwat, and Size 8, turning the studio into a training ground for Kenya’s most successful urban acts.
Their recognition also reflects Kenya’s growing appreciation of the arts as a pillar of national development. In an industry that often faces limited institutional support, Jua Cali and Clemo’s success stands as a testament to self-belief and home-grown entrepreneurship. They established a fully Kenyan creative ecosystem — from production to promotion — at a time when most local artists depended heavily on international labels and trends. The two insisted on authenticity and local ownership, a stance that has since become the foundation of Kenya’s independent music scene.
Over the years, both have remained active in nurturing young talent and preserving the Genge sound. Jua Cali continues to perform and release music that resonates with both older fans and a new digital audience discovering his early hits. Clemo, meanwhile, has evolved Calif Records into a multimedia and talent-management hub, helping bridge the gap between the music of the 2000s and today’s genre-fluid era of Afropop and Gengetone. Their mentorship has influenced a new wave of Kenyan producers and artists who see Genge not as a nostalgic sound but as a living art form.
Beyond their artistry, both men have become cultural icons whose influence extends beyond the studio. Jua Cali has served as a youth ambassador, promoting social awareness through campaigns and mentorship programmes, while Clemo has supported initiatives focused on creative education and community empowerment.