Nyashinski
{{Short description|Kenyan musician (born 1984)}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Nyashinski
| image = Nyashinski.jpg
| caption = Nyashinski on stage in 2022
| image_size =
| birth_name = Nyamari Ongegu
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|04|8|df=y}}
| birth_place = Kisii, Kenya
| genre = {{flatlist|Kenyan hip hop
}}
| instrument =
| occupation = Musician. Writer.
| years_active = 1999–present
| label =
| associated_acts =
| spouse = Zia Jepkemei Bett
| website =
}}
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{{Cite web |last=Robi |first=Amos |date=2022-11-27 |title=Nyashinski reunites Kleptomaniax to thrill fans at Shin City Eldoret [Videos] |url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/music/kleptomaniax-reunited-on-stage-during-nyashinskis-shin-city-eldoret-event/ffr8p4l |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Pulselive Kenya}}{{Cite web |last=Campus |first=Capital |date=2017-02-02 |title=Return of Kleptomaniacs Nyashinski, Collo & Roba, Who Did It Best? |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/thesauce/return-kleptomaniacs-nyashinski-collo-roba-best/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=The Sauce |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Nyashinski Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nyashinski-mn0003967998 |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=AllMusic |language=en}}
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{{Cite web |date=2019-11-12 |title=Nyashinski changed his name through gazette notice |url=https://nairobinews.nation.africa/nyashinski-changes-his-name-through-gazette-notice/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Nairobi News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Howto |date=2019-11-13 |title=Rapper Nyashinski changes name through gazette notice |url=https://howto.co.ke/rapper-nyashinski-changes-name-through-gazette-notice/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=How-to |language=en-US}} announced legally abandoning the use of his first name, Inyatta, instead opted to use Nyamari Ongegu only as his official full name.{{Cite web |last=Muli |first=Davis |title=Revealed: Nyashinski changed his name before traditional wedding |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/news/article/2001349243/revealed-nyashinski-changed-his-name-before-traditional-wedding |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Standard Entertainment}}{{Cite web |date=2019-11-13 |title=Nyashinski changes his real name after marrying Zipporah Bett » Biggest Kaka ⁸|url=https://biggestkaka.co.ke/nyashinski-changes-his-real-name-after-marrying-zipporah-bett/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |language=en-US}}
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.{{Cite web |title=Singer Nyashinski Speaks of 'Harsh' Life in US That Forced Him to Return to Kenya |url=https://www.mwakilishi.com/article/lifestyle-news/2020-09-24/singer-nyashinski-speaks-of-harsh-life-in-us-that-forced-him-to |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Mwakilishi.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Messenger |first=Diaspora |date=2019-05-02 |title=Nyashinski speaks on living in USA, why he relocated back to Kenya |url=https://diasporamessenger.com/2019/05/nyashinski-speaks-living-usa/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Diaspora Messenger News Media |language=en-US}}
In 2019, Nyashinski tied the knot,{{Cite web |last= |title=Congratulations! Nyanshinski weds zia in an intimate ceremony |url=https://kiss100.co.ke/amp/entertainment/2021-12-11-congratulations-nyanshinski-weds-zia-in-an-intimate-ceremony/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=None |language=en}} marrying his longtime girlfriend, designer Zia Jepkemei Bett.{{Cite web |last=Ruby |first=Josh |date=2021-12-12 |title=Kenyan singer Nyashinski weds longtime lover Zia Bett |url=http://mbu.ug/2021/12/12/kenyan-singer-nyashinski-weds-longtime-lover-zia-bett/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=MBU |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-12-10 |title=Congratulations! Nyashinski, Zia wed in private ceremony – K24 TV : K24 TV |url=https://www.k24tv.co.ke/entertainment/congratulations-nyashinski-zia-wed-in-private-ceremony-53003/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=www.k24tv.co.ke |language=en-US}} Nyashinski and Zia welcomed their first child in 2020.{{Cite web |title=Nyashinski and wife welcome first baby |url=https://www.switchtv.ke/mobile/read-article/422-Nyashinski-and-wife-welcome-first-baby |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Switch TV Kenya}}{{Cite web |last=Antikua |first=Dex |date=2020-03-15 |title=Nyashinski Welcomes His First Baby To The World |url=https://vibemtaani.co.ke/nyashinski-welcomes-his-first-baby-to-the-world/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=VIBE MTAANI |language=en-US}}
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. {{Cite web |date=2023-08-12 |title=Nigerian producer Sam Eli sues Nyashinski over song used in Tecno endorsement |url=https://nairobinews.nation.africa/nigerian-producer-sam-eli-sues-nyashinski-over-song-used-in-tecno-endorsement/ |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=Nairobi News |language=en-US}}In May 2025, Nyashinski won against Eli. {{Cite web |date=2025-05-05 |title=Rapper Nyashinski wins against Nigerian music producer over secret Tecno deal |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/showbiz/rapper-nyashinski-wins-against-nigerian-music-producer-over-secret-tecno-deal--5028864#story |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=Daily Nation |language=en}}
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.{{Cite web |last=Nyanga |first=Caroline |title=Rapper Nyashinski on possible Kleptomaniax reunion and forthcoming song featuring Collo |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/swimming/article/2000204018/rapper-nyashinski-on-possible-kleptomaniax-reunion-and-forthcoming-song-featuring-collo |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=Standard Entertainment}}
=Solo career=
Nyashinski took a 10-year break from music right after Kleptomaniax hiatus. He made a come back in 2016{{Cite web |last=Kimani |first=Sheila |title=Nyashinski the former Klepto makes a comeback |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/local-news/article/2000113751/nyashinski-the-former-kleptomaniax-makes-a-comeback |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Standard Entertainment}}{{Cite web |last=Kenya |first=Youth Village |date=2016-05-18 |title=Former Kleptomaniax Group Member Nyashinski Back With First Single in Over a Decade 'Now You Know' |url=https://youthvillage.co.ke/former-kleptomaniax-group-member-nyashinski-back-first-single-decade-now-know/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Youth Village Kenya |language=en-US}} with a hit song Now you Know. featuring Athman {{Cite web |last=lily-mwangi |title='Now You Know' producer Athman shares the journey of Nyashinski's comeback |url=https://kiss100.co.ke/amp/entertainment/2021-08-11-now-you-know-producer-keggah-shares-the-journey-of-nyashinskis-comeback/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=None |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Nyambura |first=Medrine |date=2016-05-17 |title=Nyashinski makes a major comeback with the single 'Now you know' |url=https://hapakenya.com/2016/05/17/nyashinski-makes-comeback-single-now-know/ |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=HapaKenya |language=en-GB}} His 2017 song Malaika scooped a Mdundo Award for Most Downloaded Male Single in 2017.{{Cite web |title=Mdundo Awards 2018 Winners Latest music news online |url=https://mdundo.com/news/12772 |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=mdundo.com |language=en}} 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. {{Cite web |date=2024-01-26 |title=Nyashinski Drops New EP 'Good Old Days' - Ghetto Radio |url=https://ghettoradio.co.ke/nyashinski-drops-new-ep-good-old-days/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=ghettoradio.co.ke |language=en-US}} In 2022, Nyashinski debuted Shin City, his headline concert. {{Cite web |date=2022-04-19 |title=Shin City: Nyashinski is the G.O.A.T, let's end this discussion |url=https://www.citizen.digital/entertainment/shin-city-nyashinski-is-the-goat-lets-end-this-discussion-n296768 |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Citizen Digital |language=en-KE}}
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. {{Cite web |last=Frankline |first=Keya |date=2024-10-11 |title=A Glimpse Into Nyashinki's New EP: To Whom It May Concern |url=https://www.kenyanvibe.com/a-glimpse-into-nyashinkis-new-ep-to-whom-it-may-concern/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=KenyanVibe |language=en-US}}
Awards and nominations
{{Infobox musician awards
| name = Nyashinski
| image =
| image_size = 220px
| alt =
| caption =
| wins = 2
| nominations = 5
}}
=Pulse Music Video Awards=
{{Awards table}}
|-
|2016
|Pulse Music Video Awards
|Now you Know
{{end}}
=MTV Africa Music Awards=
{{Awards table}}
|-
|2017
|Himself
|Best African Act
|{{Nominated}}{{Cite web |last=Nyota |first=Maxwell |date=2017-11-02 |title=President Kenyatta Urges Kenyans To Vote For Nyashinski In The MTV Awards |url=https://www.kenyanvibe.com/president-kenyatta-urges-kenyans-vote-nyashinski-mtv-awards/ |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=KenyanVibe |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2017-11-13 |title=Nyashinski loses to Davido at the MTV Europe music awards |url=https://ghettoradio.co.ke/nyashinski-loses-to-davido-at-the-mtv-europe-music-awards/ |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=GhettoRadio 89.5 FM |language=en-US}}
|-
|2018
|Himself
|Best African Act
{{end}}
=All Africa Music Awards=
{{Awards table}}
|-
|2022
|Himself
|Best Male artiste in Eastern Africa
|{{Nominated}}{{Cite web |date=2022-09-22 |title=Bien, Tanasha Donna, Nyashinski Among Kenyan Musicians Nominated For AFRIMA 2022 |url=https://omgvoice.com/celebs/bien-tanasha-donna-nyashinski-among-kenyan-music/ |access-date=2023-01-19 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Gichovi |first=Murugi |date=2022-09-15 |title=Bridget Blue, Nyashinski, Femi One, Bien Aime + More Nominated For The 2022 AFRIMA Awards |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/thesauce/bridget-blue-nyashinski-femi-one-bien-aime-more-nominated-for-the-2022-afrima-awards/ |access-date=2023-01-19 |website=The Sauce |language=en-US}}
{{end}}
=East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards=
{{Awards table}}
|-
|2022
|Himself
|Best Legendary artiste
{{end}}
Discography
=Studio albums=
- Lucky You (2020)
..Good old days (2024)
- To whom it may concern (2025)
=Other singles=
2016
- Now You Know{{Cite web |last=Ngaruiya |first=Bilha |title=The reel hitmaker: Video producer behind Nyashinski’s ‘Now you know’ and Everlast’s ‘Gudi gudi’ |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/swimming/article/2001237249/the-reel-hitmaker-video-producer-behind-nyashinskis-now-you-know-and-everlasts-gudi-gudi |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=Standard Entertainment}}{{Cite web |last=Kamau |first=Richard |date=2017-07-17 |title=Eric Omondi's Parody of Nyashinski's 'Now You Know' is What Kenya Needs in this Election Period |url=https://nairobiwire.com/2017/07/eric-omondis-parody-nyashinskis-now-know-kenya-needs-election-period.html |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=Nairobi Wire |language=en-US}}
- Mungu Pekee{{Cite web |last=Mwangi |first=Nick |date=2020-03-12 |title=Why Collo Wouldn't Work on a Remix of Nyashinski's 'Mungu Pekee' |url=https://nairobiwire.com/2020/03/why-collo-wouldnt-work-on-a-remix-of-nyashinskis-mungu-pekee.html |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=Nairobi Wire |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Nyanga |first=Caroline |title=Mungu Pekee- Rapper Nyashinski releases gospel song |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/news/article/2000219150/mungu-pekee-rapper-nyashinski-releases-gospel-song |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=Standard Entertainment}}
2017
- Malaika{{Cite web |date=2017-05-16 |title=Nyashinki's drops 'Malaika' hit single for the ladies |url=https://biggestkaka.co.ke/nyashinkis-drops-malaika-hit-single/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |language=en-US}}
- Hayawani
- Aminia
2018
2019
- Marathon Runner
- Lift Me Up
- Balance
2020
- Serious
- Hapo Tu (ft Chris Kaiga)
2021
- Properly ft (Femi one)
- Top Form{{Cite web |last=Lauryn |date=2021-04-11 |title=Nyashinski Surprises Fans With 3 New Singles |url=https://notjustok.com/eastafrica/news/nyashinski-surprises-fans-with-3-new-singles/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video – Notjustok |language=en-US}}
- Goals
- Whoopty (freestyle){{Cite web |title=Nyashinski Drops 3 Surprise Jams Dubbed ‘Goals’, Top Form’ and ‘Whoopty (Freestyle)’ Latest music news online |url=https://mdundo.com/news/30448 |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=mdundo.com |language=en}}
2022
- Showman
- Night school
- Kable Tudie
- Tunnel Vision
2023
- Perfect design
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Cite web |title=Nyashinski Biography, Songs, & Albums |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nyashinski-mn0003967998/biography |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=AllMusic |language=en}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nyashinski}}