Nyashinski
Kenyan musician (born 1984)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nyamari Ongegu (born Inyatta Nyamari Ongegu; 8 April 1984), known professionally as Nyashinski, is a Kenyan rapper, singer and songwriter. He is a co-founding member of the hip-hop trio Kleptomaniax[1][2] before successfully launching his solo career during the 2010s. His 2020 full-length debut album Lucky You demonstrated his lyrical skills and songwriting talents, encompassing lighter, more uplifting songs as well as aggressive street tracks.[3]
Biography
Nyamari Ongegu, who goes by the stage name Nyashinski, was born on 8 April 1984. He attended Nairobi School. On 10 April 2019, Nyashinski whose full birth name was Inyatta Nyamari Ongegu, through a gazette notice[4][5] announced legally abandoning the use of his first name, Inyatta, instead opted to use Nyamari Ongegu only as his official full name.[6][7]
Nyashinski lived in Kenya until 2006, when he and his family relocated to Delaware US, where he worked as a truck driver for 10 years until his return to Kenya in 2016 to continue his music career.[8][9]
In 2019, Nyashinski tied the knot,[10] marrying his longtime girlfriend, designer Zia Jepkemei Bett.[11][12] Nyashinski and Zia welcomed their first child in 2020.[13][14]
In 2023, Nyashinski was sued by Nigerian producer Sam Eli, over copyright infringement by signing a copyright deal with Tecno. Eli stated that Nyashinski used his song "Wach Wach" to promote and endorse Tecno products. Eli was demanding a percentage of the earnings from the endorsement deal as he produced the song. [15]In May 2025, Nyashinski won against Eli. [16]
Music career
Kleptomaniax
Nyashinski's music career started as a member of Kleptomaniax when he was still a high school student at Nairobi School, where he met Roba (Robert Manyasa) and Collo (Collins Majale) who formed the music trio Kleptomaniax back in 1999. Although the members were still high school students, they released their debut track, Freak It in 2002 under Ogopa DJs music label, followed by Maniax Anthem and Haree which were major hits. Tuendelee and Swing released in 2004 were the most popular songs by the trio earning them dozens of awards and nominations. The trio, took a hiatus in 2009 to pursue solo careers.[17]
Solo career
Nyashinski took a 10-year break from music right after Kleptomaniax hiatus. He made a come back in 2016[18][19] with a hit song Now you Know. featuring Athman.[20][21] His 2017 song Malaika scooped a Mdundo Award for Most Downloaded Male Single in 2017.[22] In January 2024, Nyashinski released the "Good Old Days" EP, which featured 6 tracks. The songs were a blend of R&B and Hip-Hop.[23] In 2022, Nyashinski debuted Shin City, his headline concert.[24]
In 2024, Nyashinski released an Ep, To Whom It May Concern. The EP included six songs. In the EP, he addressed the fall out with long time collaborator, Cedo who worked as his producer.[25]
In October 2025, Nyashinski released his sophomore album Yariasu. It was also announced that he had signed to Sony Music East Africa.[26]
In November 2025, Nyashinski announced his April 2026 residency, Showman.[27][28]
Awards and nominations
| ||||||||
| Totals[a] | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wins | 2 | |||||||
| Nominations | 5 | |||||||
Note
| ||||||||
Pulse Music Video Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Pulse Music Video Awards | Now you Know | Won[29] |
MTV Africa Music Awards
All Africa Music Awards
East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Himself | Best Legendary artiste | Won[35] |
Discography
Studio albums
- Lucky You (2020).[36]
- Good Old Days (2024).[37]
- To Whom It May Concern (2025).[38]
Other singles
2016
2017
- Malaika[43]
- Hayawani
- Aminia
2018
- Bebi Bebi[44]
- Free
- Hello
- Finyo
2019
- Marathon Runner
- Lift Me Up
- Balance
2020
- Serious
- Hapo Tu (ft Chris Kaiga)
2021
2022
- Showman
- Night school
- Kable Tudie
- Tunnel Vision
2023
- Perfect design