Kenya: Juliani’s Masterpiece album signals artistic milestone

Born Julius Owino, the MC and entrepreneur describes himself as “a hip hop artist with a passion for transforming people and communities through the power of art.” For over five years, fans eagerly awaited Juliani’s follow-up to his third album, Exponential Potential, which was released in 2015. The wait was over on 17 January when he unveiled the 12-track Masterpiece – a fitting addition to a career of more than two decades. The new project was written and performed by the MC in Swahili, English and Sheng (slang).

Juliani’s verses are punctuated by sighs and exhalations, providing an instantly recognisable conversational tone. His wordplay thrives while his phrasing and flow are effortless. He says the album serves as a culmination of every phase of his career.

”I have gained the experience to understand and appreciate how society is, and in the process rebuilt myself into the best version of me that could serve it better.”

Many of the songs veer toward Christian sentiments and motivational narratives. For instance, on the standout track ‘Snobbish Old Man’, he reminds listeners of the declaration of God’s love for human beings despite their shortcomings. But Juliani says religion and spirituality aren’t his core focus: he’s more interested in setting an example for personal growth and compassion towards others.

”I believe people can solve their challenges,” he says. “We are stewards of everything we have and it is our responsibility to grow ourselves and bring others with us. I find creative ways to entertain, spread awareness and raise money for communities in crisis.”

Masterpiece signifies an improvement in execution compared to past projects: his rapping is tighter and his message is more precise. He proclaims this in track six, ‘Just Another Tuesday’, when he raps: “I am a man of my words / but also I am a man of awards / but life happens / I am not the man that I was.”

These thoughts are further detailed in the title track and ‘Locks to My Socks’, which offer an expose of Juliani‘s story of finding his self-worth and the various obstacles that he overcame along the way to become a better version of himself.

“My first album was about trying to penetrate the industry and prove that I was the best rapper in the country,” he said. “Now I know that with my position in society I have a higher purpose as an artist, which is to get to process life from the deepest and darkest levels, break it down and bring it forth to the public for entertainment and enlightenment.”

There are parts on Masterpiece where Juliani unleashes his articulate rapping style as if he's the fervent 23 year old who entered the music industry with his debut album Mtaa Mentality in 2008. Songs like ‘Tumbo 2 Tumbo Stone’, ‘Story za Tene’ and ‘C’est La Vie’ showcase his sharp skills in wordplay and metaphors. 

The 36 year old also experiments with synth-laden beats and distant percussion, elements that are most conspicuous in ‘Mabawa’. While the song‘s lyrics are full of rhetorical questions, the theme explores the societal expectations of Christians: “Calling me a bad boy because I take puffs / how will the devil keep hell hot with these cold hearts? / Wine is for drunkards while in the church it’s consumed with the sacramental bread.”

Juliani captures the grim reality of depression and suicide in ‘Inheritance ya Kamba’, while on ‘Many Dan Dem‘ he advocates for active citizenship to make Kenya better.

“Most of my past protest songs have been about complaining. This time, I want people to rise up and realise that they have more numbers to dictate in which direction to take this country. Every human being deserves a dignified life. I fight for economic equality, good leadership, civic education and basic human rights for all,” Juliani says.

To his fans, he says: ”To become a masterpiece, you must accept the reality of who you are and where you are from. Then, dismantle that reality to create new pieces of who you want to become.”

Masterpiece was produced by Eric Musyoka, Dushman Koko's and DJ Octave. “Musyoka worked on most of the tracks for both my first and latest albums,” Juliani said. “He is graceful, encouraging and appreciative of what an artist has to offer. It was my first time working with Makoko and Octave. I loved their ear, approach and vibrancy in the whole process.”

Masterpiece shows artistic and personal growth, and culminates in Juliani’s most palatable and focused release to date. It is loaded with powerful themes and plenty of heavyweight fretwork, which new and old fans will appreciate.

Buy and listen to Masterpiece here.