Clement Rapudo Sijenyi (born June 2, 1980), popularly known as Clemo, is a Kenyan music producer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is best known as the co-founder of Calif Records, one of Kenya’s most influential record labels that shaped the Genge music movement in the early 2000s.
Clemo’s work with artists such as Jua Cali, Nonini, Mejja, and Lady S helped pioneer a new urban Kenyan sound that blended hip-hop, Swahili, Sheng, and African rhythms. Beyond production, Clemo is also the founder of Ngomma VAS, a multi-channel network that distributes local music to media outlets in Kenya and internationally.
Early Life and Background
Clemo was born on June 2, 1980, in Nairobi, Kenya. From a young age, he developed a passion for music, technology, and creative innovation. His upbringing in the vibrant urban neighborhoods of Nairobi exposed him to different sounds, from African traditional music to emerging hip-hop influences.
This early exposure would later inspire him to fuse these elements into what became Kenya’s most recognized urban music genre — Genge.
Career
Clemo began his professional journey in 1999, working as a sound engineer and producer. Together with fellow visionary Jua Cali, he co-founded Calif Records in Nairobi. The studio quickly rose to fame, producing chart-topping hits that defined the early 2000s Kenyan urban music scene.
Calif Records and the Rise of Genge
Under Clemo’s direction, Calif Records introduced artists such as:
- Jua Cali – later dubbed “King of Genge”
- Nonini – known as the “Godfather of Genge”
- Mejja – a major figure in Kenyan music
- Chantelle, Jimw@t, Flexx, and Lady S
Through innovative beats and streetwise lyrics, Clemo helped position Genge music as a uniquely Kenyan sound, rivaling international influences and reshaping the country’s music identity.
Ngomma VAS
Building on his success as a producer, Clemo founded Ngomma VAS, a music distribution company and multi-channel network. The platform provides artists with digital rights management, YouTube monetization, and distribution services, making it easier for Kenyan musicians to reach audiences worldwide.
Achievements and Awards
Clemo’s contribution to Kenyan music has been widely recognized. His awards include:
- 2005 Kisima Music Award – Best Producer
- 2006 Kisima Music Awards – Nominee (Best Producer)
- 2007 Chaguo La Teeniez (CHAT) Award – Producer of the Year
These accolades cement his reputation as one of Kenya’s top producers.
Legacy
Clemo remains one of the most influential figures in East African music, both as a producer and entrepreneur. By founding Calif Records, he nurtured artists who transformed Kenyan music culture. Through Ngomma VAS, he continues to empower new generations of musicians with digital tools to succeed in a global music market.
His work represents the evolution of Kenyan music — from local street hits to international platforms. Clemo’s name is permanently linked with the birth, rise, and global recognition of Genge music.
