Juacali hooks up with Romantico and Samaki Mkuu to create a gengeton song

Jason Dunford aka Samaki Mkuu is known to many as the world-class Kenyan swimmer, but there is more to him than meets the eye.

He met the Godfather of Genge music, Juacali and now the two alongside Romantico teamed up and came up with a gengeton song, Baila, – a mix of reggaeton and genge-.

So how did Samaki Mkuu find himself in the music game from swimming? Talking to Adelle and Shaffie on Breakfast With The Stars, he said:

I started with clarinet back in my young days but my brothers were very sporty so I found myself getting inclined to swimming. I then started dancing to reggae tune as a workout plan plus I was a poet and now all that brought me to where I am

Juacali linked up with Romantico after he saw him in an interview talking about genge. Romantico had embraced genge and rapped in Swahili which got the attention of Juacali.

they came up to sign a few papers in the studio and then I saw him and remembered he was the guy I saw talking about genge. he was with Jason at that time and I was thinking Romantico was the manager.T hen Jason told me he also raps.

That I was making a beat with my producer and I was telling him I want something different. Funny enough the beat came out something like reggaeton. They came into the studio they loved the beat and Jason rapped and I was like it’s not a joke.

Romantico was a missionary but according to Juacali, he backslid.

i studied theology but music, I always loved music and so I fell in love with genge. From my reggaeton background, I listened and loved genge and so I decided to choose music despite my love for the mission and also helping people 

Juacali knew the best way to tell Romatico’s story, was through music so why not feature him?

Jason who had a lot of advice for those thinking going for what you love is crazy said:

there are always naysayers. kenya had never qualified for the Olympic swimming team and people thought how can you? now look where I got to? Luckily in my journalism career i had such supportive colleagues.

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Juacali’s last words on those thinking of starting this musical journey,

just prove them wrong and follow your heart and your passion. Just keep pushing.

Romantico:

Don’t give up despite the hustle, just work and work until you win. Winners never give up

Jason:

surround yourself with positive people who support your love and passion. and block the naysayers. you’ll be surprised by what you can achieve

Look out for their song at 9 am today.

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