'If you want more money, release more songs’: Jua Cali tells Kenyan musicians

Kenyan Genge legend Jua Cali has advised musicians who expect huge sums of money for performances yet only have one song under their names to pull up their socks.

According to Jua Cali, who has been in the music industry for up to twenty years, artistes who have fewer songs should not expect to be paid the same as, or more than, those with established careers and longer discographies.

He opined that upcoming artistes need patience and consistency to survive a long standing and lucrative career in music.

“If you want to make money from live performances, normally lazima ukuwe na mziki tatu ama nne kwenda juu, to at least perform for like thirty minutes. Msanii mwenye ako na mziki moja, atalipwa pesa ya mziki moja, you have to be patient and consistent. Fans, promoters and corporate are always watching,” said Jua Cali in an interview with NTV on Thursday.

Jua Cali further rubbished claims of the existence of a cartel in the music industry alluding to the fact that Kenyan artistes have for a long time used that notion to run away from taking responsibility for their inactions.

“Cartel ni illusion yenye artiste ame-create, human beings wanapenda kurusha blame. The only way an artiste will reap the benefits is through his/her hard work, consistency…at which rate are you releasing good songs?” He posed.

The rapper further revealed that the secret to his long-lived relevance in the music industry is the fact that he makes relatable music.

According to the ‘Bidii yangu’ hit maker, his music can be likened to the normal day-to-day Kenyan culture.

“Secret ni very simple, I sing and rap the way you talk…my music has been very relatable, I’m seen in you and I’m seen in the common mwananchi, mimi ni ambassador wa the Kenyan culture, just work hard and be very patient and the money will find you,” he said.