Nyashinski

Nyashinski, born Nyamari Ongegu on April 8, 1984, is a Kenyan rapper, singer, and songwriter. He first gained prominence as a co-founding member of the Kenyan hip-hop trio Kleptomaniax, which was formed in 1999. The group earned a nomination for Best African Act at the 2005 MTV Europe Music Awards. Nyashinski pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning and Management at Kenyatta University before relocating to Delaware, USA, in 2006. During his time in the United States, he worked as a truck driver for approximately a decade before returning to Kenya in 2016. That same year, he successfully relaunched his solo music career. His solo work includes the singles "Mungu Pekee" (2016), "Malaika" (2017), "Hayawani" (2017), and "Marathon Runner" (2019). He won the Pulse Music Video Award for "Now You Know" in 2016. His debut solo album, *Lucky You*, was released in 2020. He married Zia Jepkemei Bett in 2019 and was recognized as Best Legendary Artist at the 2022 East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards. Nyashinski released the single "TAI CHI" in 2025.