Kenyan rapper and singer Nyashinski, born Nyamari Ongegu on 8 April 1984 in Kisii, has become one of the country’s most celebrated music artists, blending hip-hop and contemporary Kenyan sounds. He started his career as a member of the iconic trio Kleptomaniax in 1999 while still at Nairobi School, alongside Roba and Collo. The group released hit tracks like Freak It, Maniax Anthem, and Haree, earning widespread acclaim and multiple awards before taking a hiatus in 2009. Following the break, Nyashinski relocated to Delaware, USA, where he worked as a truck driver for ten years before returning to Kenya in 2016 to pursue a solo music career.
Nyashinski’s solo journey has been marked by several notable releases that highlight his versatility as an artist. His 2016 comeback single Now You Know featuring Athman reintroduced him to the Kenyan music scene, followed by hits like Malaika, which won the Mdundo Award for Most Downloaded Male Single in 2017. Over the years, he has released acclaimed projects including the 2020 full-length album Lucky You, the 2024 EP Good Old Days, and the 2025 EP To Whom It May Concern, showcasing a blend of uplifting R&B and aggressive street tracks. Alongside his music, Nyashinski has been recognized with awards such as Best Legendary Artist at the East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards and multiple nominations at the MTV Africa Music Awards and AFRIMA.
Despite his success, Nyashinski has faced challenges in the industry, including a 2023 lawsuit by Nigerian producer Sam Eli over copyright infringement related to a Tecno endorsement, which he ultimately won in May 2025. Beyond his professional life, Nyashinski is married to designer Zia Jepkemei Bett, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2020. From his early days in Kleptomaniax to his current status as a solo artist, Nyashinski’s story illustrates resilience, reinvention, and his enduring influence on the Kenyan music scene.