Nonini Vs Jua Cali: Who Has Always Been The Better Artiste? (ANALYSIS)

In the track ‘Moto Wa Kuotea Mbali’, Nameless says, “Respect your elders, I started singing when you were still in diapers.” That’s a mature line from one of Kenya’s mainstream music pioneers. In as much as we love to celebrate the musical acts of today, we must never forget where it all started

Nonini and Jua Cali are both responsible for the emergence of Genge. Some people have grown up listening to them, while some have grown old listening to them. Fame is like a lotus flower, at one time it’s bright, shiny and then after a while it withers and dies. Many artistes who began their music careers at around the same time as Jua Cali and Nonini have faded, witherd and gone silent. The two both started out at Calif records but Nonini opted out to other production houses later on. Jua Cali stuck with Clemmo and that decision paid off well.

 Nonini refers to himself as ‘The Godfather of Genge’ whereas Jua Cali is ‘Baba Yao’. It takes special talent, discipline and commitment to stay relevant in the competitive showbiz industry. Even though the two are not as big as they used to be back in the day, their songs radiate maturity and powerful delivery. But what really separates them? Who’s better than the other? Or are they just great in equal and different measure? A close analysis might help us determine this.

Style

Nonini started out as the daring rapper with vulgar lyrics. His style made him controversial but popular. He had balls that no other rapper had back then. In an age where the society was still conservative and explicit content in music was not tolerated, Nonini preferred to stick by what he believed in, and the rewards were handsome. His bold attitude was a plus. He may not be a favorite among older peeps who felt he spoiled their children but with the younger generation, he was mighty. However, Nonini has trend-hopped his way through the years, adopting new flows, sounds, and styles. He has changed his musical view to more of inspiration and advisory.

Jua Cali started out with a style that involved putting stress on words. This style came with a form of unique aura that people loved. Although he also used vulgar content in his music from time to time, he did so in a not so open manner. The rapper has always managed to rap about things that the younger generation finds interesting.  Jua Cali’s style has stayed the same, though each track has a different feel to it, a slight deviation. Instead of borrowing flows, he refined the one he came up with. And at a time when older rappers are trying to figure out a way to gracefully age while staying hip to the new shit, Jua Cali, as displayed on Karibu Nairobi, is comfortable doing what feels comfortable to him. There’s no funny hook. No modern beats. No change in image. Just the one and true Jua Cali. In 2015, that sounds like a win.

Hit Power

These two artistes have always managed to come up with lyrically hard hitting tracks. Their songs are radio friendly and club bangers too. Songs that these two artistes released years ago still bring back good memories and create the party feeling. In terms of coming up with quality music laden with sure flow, these two stand on equal ground.

Consistency

Despite their consistence, both artistes take sabbaticals once in a while. Sometimes Nonini has been less consistent than Jua Cali. Maybe it’s due to his business projects and the heavy work involved in his charity projects. Jua Cali on the other end has been merciless, releasing track after track and getting worthy rotation. He has had his quiet moments too. No one can be perfect really. However, the truth still remains- both artistes are certified ‘rapreneurs.’

Achievements and Honors

In other music genres, new artistes have managed to upset the status quo. In Genge, Nonini and Jua cali still hold the most influence. The only other top artistes in that Genre are P-Unit. Nonini’s music career has evidently paid of well. He has at times topped the list of highest earning Kenyan artistes in terms of royalties.

Jua Cali too has been a high earner. Pictures of both artistes from now and ten years ago show that hard work really pays.  From slim hood guys back then, to bosses right now, these artistes have made it. They have won various Kenyan and East African awards and they might just continue doing so if they stay on their well- mastered lanes.

So which of these two legends do you think is the dopest? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW

Who is better?

{acepolls167}