Long before we could hear music that had the ‘Na tuko tu Pacho’ watermark or ‘EMB Records’ or any of the decorated modern-day record labels, one record label that defined the Kenyan music industry in its formative years was Calif records.
Under the stewardship of self-taught music producer Clemo, this record label set up in California Estate is the source of the current day Genge and Kapuka music that has enabled Kenya to stay afloat with competition from Bongo and Naija music on the African continent. Here are some of the biggest names to have come up to stardom courtesy of Calif Records and the very able Clemo.
1. Nonini
To start us off is the Genge Godfather, Nonini, he of the of the ‘niko gauge...Niko maji…niko keroro’ fame. Nonini has slowed down on his music releases in recent times but will always remain a legend in the Kenyan music industry in particular Genge.
2. Jua Cali
We all know the famous hit ‘Kiasi’ and it would really be a disgrace to your own Kenyan identity if you cannot sing along to this tune whenever it is played. This song hit the airwaves in the early 2000s and would catapult Jua Cali, a Calif Records product, to national stardom.
3. Lady S
Probably the best female MC that has ever graced the Kenyan music industry. The late Lady S was one of the most decorated musicians of her time. Her life would, however, end tragically through a road accident on Thika Road just when she was rocking the airwaves at the time.
4. Linet Size 8
The other lady that makes the list of legends nurtured by Calif Records is reformed gospel artist Size 8 Reborn. Long before she turned her life to the Lord and gave up the secular music world, Size 8 rocked the airwaves with her debut single ‘Size 8’ which was then followed by ‘Shamba Boy’.
5. Mejja
Wrapping up the list is Mejja, he of the ‘jana kuliendaje’ fame. Mejja is arguably the hottest and most sought-after MC in the Kenyan music industry currently. Although he is now part of The Kansoul alongside Madtraxx and Kid Kora, Mejja created a name for himself while at Calif Records. He is well known for his rib cracking storytelling videos that accompany his music.