I’m Califani, a rapper and actress based in Los Angeles. My music brings together a hardcore delivery, a love of performance and experiences I couldn’t make up if I tried. I enjoy playing with different voices and characters, and I want each song to have its own personality. Everything I create comes from a love of the craft. I know what I bring is original. I’m one of one—you’ve never seen anything like me before.
Where are you based?
Los Angeles, California. I’m originally from Australia, and my heritage is Macedonian and Croatian.
How long have you been making music?
I started recording professionally around 2020, so about six years ago, but performing has been part of my life since I was little. Before I was five, I was already enjoying acting and performing, and I remember rapping at seven. It was always rap for me, never singing. Around 2020 is when I took it into the studio and started turning that passion into professional recordings.
What genre would you consider your music to be?
Hip-hop and rap, with a strong West Coast influence and a naturally hardcore delivery. I like my music to have presence—you should feel the attitude behind what I’m saying. But I’m versatile, and I enjoy experimenting with different voices, accents and styles. Each beat brings out something different in me, so every song gets its own personality.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
I’ve always felt comfortable in front of a camera and center stage. I naturally take the lead, and I’ve never been afraid of the spotlight. I started professional acting classes at nine, but rapping was something I’d already been doing on my own. At seven, I was rapping along to Tupac and thought that was just normal—I didn’t recognize it as a talent yet. So pursuing music wasn’t about one particular moment of inspiration. It was about recognizing something that had been there all along and realizing I could take it seriously. Performing came naturally to me; the next step was giving that ability the attention it deserved.
What are your biggest musical influences?
Michael Jackson is number one for me, and that title is never going anywhere—let’s get that straight. I adored him growing up, and I still do. Among living artists, Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown are my top two. If you opened my Spotify, you’d understand exactly what I mean—they’re constantly on repeat. There are plenty of other artists I love, but if we’re keeping the list short, those are my biggest names.
Are you signed to a label or are you an independent artist?
Definitely independent, but I’ve got a strong team behind me. I work predominantly with people who worked with Nipsey Hussle when he was first starting out in music. They support me, guide me and help me make the right moves. Being independent doesn’t mean I’m doing everything alone. I have people in my corner who respect what I bring, and I don’t have to compromise myself or what I stand for to get where I want to go.
What have been the biggest challenges in your music career?
Moving halfway across the world and building a career in Los Angeles has been one of my biggest challenges. My family is back in Australia, so I’ve had to figure a lot out on my own—funding my journey, handling my business and learning who I can trust. People see the photos and the finished work, but there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to make any of it possible. Learning the business side of music has been another challenge. You can have the talent and the records, but you still have to get people to listen. Building relationships, creating opportunities and keeping everything moving takes patience. I’ve had to learn how to be both the artist and the person making things happen.
How many songs or albums have you released to date?
I have seven singles listed on Apple Music, but I’ve recorded much more than I’ve released. In 2022, I completed around 10 to 15 songs in roughly three months, possibly less. Then I returned to Australia, where I spent about three years working as the COO of a renovation company, so music took a back seat while I handled those responsibilities. Now I’m back and putting my focus into music again. There’s a lot people haven’t heard yet, and I’m excited to show that side of my work.
Can you tell us a few things about your latest release?
My upcoming single is called “Eat the Cake Anna Mae.” I’ve just finished recording it, and it’s now waiting on mixing and mastering. It will be released in time for HALLOWSTREAM on October 31 in Pasadena, where I’ll also be hosting and filming the music video. TeeFLii will be appearing and dancing in the video, with professional dancers krumping behind me, and the event will also be livestreamed. I’m excited to bring the song to life with that energy around me.
Any plans for new music or upcoming projects we should know about?
Yes—I’m also working on a song that will feature Kevin McCall, who many people will know from Chris Brown’s “Deuces.” I’m excited about what we’re putting together. I’m keeping the finer details under wraps for now, but there’s definitely more music on the way.
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