Nyashinski

In 2006, Nyashinski packed his bags for Delaware, leaving behind the hit “Tuendelee” by Kleptomaniax. A decade later, he returned to Nairobi not as a truck driver, but as a rapper who signed with Sony Music.

In Brief

Key Dates

From Nairobi School to the National Stage

Born on April 8, 1984, in Kisii, Nyamari Ongegu grew up in Kenya during a period when rap was still seen as a marginal hobby. As an adolescent at Nairobi School, he met Roba (Robert Manyasa) and Collo (Collins Majale). Together, they founded in 1999 the trio Kleptomaniax, an ironic choice of name: stealing the hearts of the audience¹.

The group signed with Ogopa DJs² and released “Freak It” in 2002. The real breakthrough came in 2004 with “Tuendelee,” a sharp retort to critics who judged the trio’s sound as “too commercial.” The track became an anthem for Kenya’s urban youth. At the time, they invented kapuka — a blend of rap and dance-pop that got Nairobi dancing.

In 2005, Kleptomaniax released M4E and received a nomination for MTV Europe Music Awards, Best African Artist¹.

America: A Ten-Year Exile

In 2006, Nyashinski accompanied his family to Delaware. He was twenty-two years old. He left behind the music, concerts, and recognition. He worked as a truck driver, driving sixteen hours a day on isolated roads. “At first, I was a star. People recognized me everywhere. Here, no one knew me. The solitude of long American journeys transformed this time of absence into deep reflection. A friend told me to go to the studio and release that lyricist pressure. I listened to a beat, created a track, and wanted people to hear it. That’s how I returned to music³.”

The Return and Consecration

In 2016, he released “Now You Know” featuring Athman, a nostalgic track that marked his triumphant return. In May 2017, he released “Aminia” followed by “Malaika,” a romance ballad that became one of his signature tracks and won the Mdundo Award⁴.

His approach evolved. Where Kleptomaniax sought to get people dancing, his solo music aims to elevate. Lucky You was released in April 2020, preceded by an online virtual concert. He multiplied collaborations — Sauti Sol, Juma Jux, Patoranking — and appearances on Coke Studio Africa, where he produced with Yemi Alade, Trey Songz, and Mafikizolo. In 2022, he launched the Shin City series, events that consolidated his place among East Africa’s most sought-after artists⁴.

Going International

In August 2025, Nyashinski signed with Sony Music Africa, accompanying the announcement of Yariasu and the single “Tai Chi”. “This partnership with Sony is not just a contract. It’s a recognition of East African musical talent,” he said. On Yariasu, he spoke to Billboard Africa: “When I started, I was more concerned with my rhymes and Swahili rap. Now, it’s a gift to share, not to show how strong I am. We have a great return of rumba. We have a deeper well to draw from, and it helps define the culture and sound of a region⁵.”

Major Works

Legacy

Nyashinski is one of the most respected voices in hip-hop and R&B in East Africa. From Kleptomaniax to Sony Music, his journey — from Nairobi School to the American truck — tells the story of a scene that has gained legitimacy. “You are good enough. You can do what you think. What you see in me, which seems out of reach for you? You can do it⁵.”

Sources and References