Jomba Uncaly
Martin Akili Kalimbo better known by his stage name as Jomba Uncaly was born in Soweto Estate, Magongo in Mombasa County.
He is a conscious swahili Hip-hop artist. He began his musical career in mid-2000’s. He later released his first single known as Kibaki Abaki in the year 2007. Followed by Akili Kichwani which has really pushed him to greater heights.
Jomba Uncaly will be releasing his highly anticipated debut album titled The Lost Tapes. The 14-track album features Ganjani Mc, Dr Ness, Crazy Bishop, R.I.C & Nguchi-P. The project is a collection of Jomba Uncaly’s unreleased singles, hence the name The Lost Tapes.
Jomba has a natural talent for blending old and new school flows that entice listeners in for a genuine experience. Fresh rhymes and empowering wordplay create a canvas of Jomba Uncaly’s come-up. In the words of Jomba this is not an album it’s something out of nothing. His resilience and driven vision along with his raw emotion cascade throughout the album.
Uncaly is currently collaborating with both Musiq Jared(Rap Knights) and Micshariki Africa with an intended purpose of bringing the best out of his craft, promising you more and better projects coming soon from the side. He has already released two tracks off The Lost Tapes LP. Namely, Akili Kichwani & Pamoja which he featured Ganjani Mc and a highly profiled singer, Tatiah.
Where did the name Jomba Uncaly came from?
The name Jomba Uncaly came from the streets in Mombasa. Its origin came about this way; someone who doesn’t know your name on the streets can call you Jomba or Uncaly for example most of the matatu touts can refer to a male passenger “Waenda Jomba or Uncaly”, so I took Jomba Uncaly as any ordinary person in the streets and because I represent the streets, I preferred Jomba Uncaly. Another thing is Jomba is Swahili for Uncle so I decided to give it two characters where Jomba is the son and Uncaly is the father.
What first got you into music?
I first got into music at a very young age. My Dad was a Dj and so I grew up listening to different genres of music. This made me develop that love and grew my passion for good music, most of the times at that young age I used to listen to very loud music that sounded awesome to me.
Who inspired you to make music?
I was inspired to make music by different artist both local and international. Local (Ukoo Flani,K-Shaka, the entire Maumau camp). International (Nas, Wu-Tang, Jadakiss, Xzibit etc). Sometimes I get inspired by the situations I encounter or what I go through on the daily.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I would describe the type of music that I create as conscious, educative, positive & entertaining. Simple & plain.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process….
When creating my music I do priorities certain things such as positive content, lyricism, rhyming & using different artistic styles like metaphors and Word play.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would like to work with any good Hip-Hop artist both in Kenya and beyond the borders. Provided we go.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Will be humbled if I ever get a chance to open a show for any of the Kenyan Hip-Hop pioneers.
What is that one messages you would give to your fans?
Message to my believers, get ready for good Hip-Hop music.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Apart from my music career I would be doing general maintenance and repair of electrical & electronics equipment.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Performance: -
Favorite Venue- Big Tree club, Leopard Beach Resort. Least favorite -Dans Lounge.
So far I don’t have planned shows, but if any offers come, I will definitely consider them.
How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?
The internet has a large impact on music as it’s beneficial to those with good numbers in subscription & viewers. Another positive impact is that artists can spread their work all over the world easily.
For Independent Hip-Hop Artists – How to promote your music!
1) You need quality material – quality song, promotional materials such as EPS/Lps covers, music videos, flyers & professional photos.
2) Spend Money to make money.
3) Build connections.
4) Create a mailing list.
5) Be Genuine.
What is your favorite song to perform?
My favorite songs I would love to perform are Chemsha Bongo & Akili kichwani.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Jadakiss, Xzibit, Nas, Khaligraph Jones, Mavado & Method man.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I got into trouble with the authorities that tracked me because I had repaired a smartphone then I sold it not knowing it was stolen.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Always stay focused.
Let’s talk about your upcoming album, The Lost Tapes, what should your fans expect?
People should expect to be educated, motivated, entertained and also get to realize the artistic skills used in The Lost Tapes.
Your home town, Mombasa has been battling drug menace, as an artist do you have any plans to create awareness and get your community a drugs free zone?
Yeah, I’m really creating the awareness ukicheki hata Akili Kichwani the theme of the song I’m trying to educate people about hard drugs with lines such as “Kali ka shubiri/usionje sumu subiri”.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
If given a chance to change the industry, I would bring more positive content.
What’s next for you?
Expect more good music from Jomba Uncaly.
Follow Jomba Uncaly on his social media & music plartforms and support his craft:
Facebook: Jomba Uncaly Akili
Instagram: jombauncaly
Kupata mradi wa The Lost Tapes nunua hapa;
HustleSasaShop: Jomba Uncaly
