Live at the Elephant June Edition: KIU & Juliani
Kenya is currently bereft of girl groups, and this void is what KIU have set out to fill. The trio consists of Tracy, Pauline and Rosa, all amazing vocalists in their own right. However, what sets them apart is the magical blend that their harmonies produce. Their mellifluous voices, quirky personalities and out of the box fashion sense have struck a chord with their ever increasing fan-base.
The trio met at Sauti Academy where they had enrolled for music classes. It was here that they were encouraged to “band up” as their voices sounded delectable. At first they were skeptical, but the more people heard them, the more their unadulterated reactions fortified the feedback they had been given about forging a unit. Thus KIU was born.
KIU means thirst in Swahili, and encapsulates the desires people have to succeed at life. Their sophomore single Mwanake was well received, and set the ball rolling for this trio. It is an ode to love that showcases these ladies’ dulcet tones, and songwriting.
Their influences include Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba, Asa, Tshala Mwana, Mbilia Bel, Sauti Sol, Dela, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Neema Ntalel, Eric Wainaina, and Dan Chizi Aceda. They cannot wait to quench your “thirst” this June.
Juliani is one of the most iconic artistes we have. A prolific lyricist, he tells stories with the kind of ease that makes his music relatable to people from all walks of life.
His high octane performances are a marvel to watch, but it is his poignant messages that cut bone and go straight to the marrow of the soul.
This hip-hop heartthrob needs no introduction. His signature dreads and gravity defying jumps on stage are only the tip of this iceberg. His lyrics are clever and honest to a fault, drawing listeners to deep truths through a tapestry woven with his magnificent mastery of Sheng’.
Juliani has caused a stir since he first broke into the scene, standing out as a gospel artiste that break barriers and cut across. His Kama Si Sisi Movement is predicated upon self-reliance, and echoes President Barrack Obama’s ethos: “we are the ones we’ve been waiting for, we are the change we seek.
He is passionate about the youth of Africa, unlocking potential, climate change and agri-business. He uses his immense influence as a platform, with which to shed light on a myriad of issues. Not one to preach water and drink wine, he has traversed this nation taking his gospel of self-reliance to all and sundry.
