Juliani – Julius Owino
Kenyan gospel singer Juliani real/full name is Julius Owino, he is the 3rd born in a family of 6 (only one
girl) and live in K-South with his mom Alice and dad Killion. He is the
hottest Gospel rapper in Kenya right now and is not ready to drop the
mic any time soon.
Born and raised in Dandora suburb, Juliani grew as
the third born in a family of six children. He was at one time a member
of the group Ukoo Flani and performed with them at many clubs and local
gigs, especially at the renowned Florida 2000 night club and casino
before making the transition to independent musician.
On his transition to gospel, he adds that he was raised in a
Christian home and one of his friends called Brayo (of the secular group
Warogi Wawili), had earlier gotten saved, and would encourage him. He
introduced him to Nairobi Lighthouse Church and after much
soul-searching; in 2005 he got born again and his spirituality grew day
by day.
Juliani Music Career
In August 2006, he started working with Kijiji Records, a label led
by local music pioneer Kanji, formerly of Milele. He teamed up with KORA
nominee, Astar, and together they toured many schools and colleges. He
has socially supported causes such as Vina Na Maana (a campaign against
Economic Partnership Agreements), Stand Up Against Poverty (UN
Millennium Campaign For MDG’s) and as the World Vision Peace Tour
(around Kenyan cities & towns). After the post-election violence in
Kenya in early 2008, he got together with other top artists to record
the multi-award winning Wakenya Pamoja single and video.
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In 2008, Juliani was the first ever Kenyan artist to be signed to a
full-fledged UK-based record label, Gatwitch Records. The result of that
partnership is the highly acclaimed studio album, Mtaa Mentality,
released in December 2008. A long-serving radio presenter, Eve D’Souza,
prompted every lover of conscious music to get their hands on that
album.
Juliani has collaborated with the likes of KORA winner Eric Wainaina
and Afro-fusion sensation Kanjii, as well as Kisima Nominees Holy Dave,
and Wenyeji. Following the post-election violence in Kenya in early
2008, he got together with other top-name artists to record the
multi-award winning Wakenya Pamoja single and video. It incorporated
over 30 different acts, including comedian Churchill, Suzzana Owiyo,
Abbi, Pete Odera and Rufftone.
Juliani Awards
Kenyan Groove Awards winner in multiple categories for the third year
in a row, and U.S. Talanta Award winner as the coveted male artist of
2008, Juliani is known for his powerful lyrics and passionate delivery.
As the king of gospel rap, he has also been nominated a couple of times.
Currently he is also the goodwill ambassador in charge of promoting
youth farming in Kenya.Juliani has been on an environmental campaign
since August 2009, and in December that year represented Kenya at the UN
Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.
Juliani Family, Wife and Children
Juliani is married to Brenda Wairimu and have two children.
Facebook: julianimusic
Twitter: julianikenya
