In Kenya’s urban music history, few record labels have made as significant a mark as Calif Records.
Founded by the producer Clement Rapudo, also known as Clemo, Calif Records served as a launchpad for some of Kenya’s most iconic music stars.
These artists not only produced chart-topping hits but also became household names, captivating audiences with their infectious beats and thought-provoking lyrics.
Despite their initial rise to fame, many of these Calif Records stars seemed to vanish from the music scene, leaving fans wondering about their whereabouts.
Here, we explore seven Calif Records stars who, after producing hits that resonated across the nation, disappeared from Kenya’s music scene and the limelight.
This comical group, consisting of Viq, Thome, Phillo, Erico, and Peter, emerged from Dagoreti High School with hits like ‘Don’t Touch My Car,’ ‘African Timer,’ ‘Sina Habari,’ ‘Meet my Parents,’ and ‘Chonga Viazi.’
‘Chonga Viazi’ became an anthem, receiving immense airplay across various media platforms.
Despite their success, they vanished from the limelight, leaving fans with questions.
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A former Calif Records rapper, known for singles like ‘Namba Yako’ and ‘Nyundo’ featuring Juacali, disappeared at the peak of his career. According to Jua Cali, he relocated abroad to focus on business and private life.
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Known for hits like ‘Vunja Shingo,’ ‘Chips Funga,’ and ‘Narudi Ocha,’ Q-tasi, whose real name is Kevin Obuya, was once a household name.
However, he announced his departure from secular music, subsequently fading from the spotlight.
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Pili Pili burst onto the scene with hits like ‘Kamata Dame’ and ‘Morale’.
Despite initial success, he disappeared from the music scene, leaving fans wondering about his activities.
Czars is among the most spoken about former Calif Record artist, with questions about his whereabouts constantly popping up.
The artist behind the hit track ‘Amka Ukatike’ vanished abruptly in 2006, just before his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams.
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Rapper Jimwat gained popularity with tracks like ‘Kumbe ni Under 18,’ but disappeared from the limelight soon after.
He later made a comeback, revealing struggles with addiction and undergoing rehabilitation.
