Nyamari Ongegu, known professionally as Nyashinski, is a celebrated Kenyan rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born on April 8, 1984, in Nairobi, Kenya, he rose to fame as a member of the hip-hop group Kleptomaniax before launching a successful solo career. Nyashinski’s music often blends hip-hop with elements of Afrobeats and traditional Kenyan rhythms, making him a unique figure in East African music.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Nyamari Ongegu |
| Date of Birth | April 8, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Spouse | Zia Jepkemei Bett |
| Children | At least two (one with Zia, one from a previous relationship) |
| Occupations | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
| Labels | Ogopa DJs (with Kleptomaniax), Independent (solo career) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.2 million (as of 2024) |
Early Life and Education
Nyashinski attended Nairobi School, a prestigious high school in Kenya, where he met his future bandmates, Roba and Collo. His parents have been married for over 40 years, a stability that has inspired some of his music and personal values. Growing up in a supportive family environment helped shape his early interest in music.
Career
Nyashinski’s music career began with Kleptomaniax in 1999. The group was part of the Ogopa DJs label, which was instrumental in launching the careers of several Kenyan artists. Kleptomaniax released hits like “Freak It” and “Tuendelee,” which became anthems in Kenya and beyond. After a successful run with the group, Nyashinski took a hiatus from music in 2006 and moved to the United States.
In 2016, Nyashinski returned to Kenya and marked his comeback with the single “Now You Know,” which was a huge success. This marked the beginning of his solo career, and he has since released numerous singles that have topped charts in Kenya and other parts of Africa. His music often addresses themes of love, life, and personal growth.
In 2020, Nyashinski released his debut solo album, “Lucky You,” which featured collaborations with other prominent African artists. The album was well-received, further cementing his position as a leading figure in Kenyan music.
Personal Life
Nyashinski married Zia Jepkemei Bett in 2019 in a private ceremony. They have a child born in 2020. He also has a child from a previous relationship living in the United States. Nyashinski keeps his personal life relatively private but often shares glimpses of his family life on social media.
Net Worth
Nyashinski’s current net worth is estimated to be between approximately $1.2 million. This reflects his earnings from successful music releases, performances, and other business ventures as a prominent figure in the Kenyan music industry.
Discography
Nyashinski’s music discography includes his debut studio album and numerous singles. Some of his notable works include:
Studio Albums
- Lucky You (2020)
- Perfect Design (2023)
- To Whom It May Concern (Release date not specified)
Singles
- 2016: “Now You Know,” “Mungu Pekee”
- 2017: “Malaika,” “Hayawani,” “Aminia”
- 2018: “Bebi Bebi,” “Free,” “Hello,” “Finyo”
- 2019: “Marathon Runner,” “Lift Me Up,” “Balance”
- 2020: “Serious,” “Hapo Tu” (feat. Chris Kaiga)
- 2021: “Properly” (feat. Femi One), “Top Form,” “Goals,” “Whoopty (freestyle)”
- 2022: “Showman,” “Night School,” “Kable Tudie,” “Tunnel Vision”
- 2023: “Perfect Design”
Other Notable Tracks
- “Wach Wach”
- “Na Bado”
- “KEBS”
- “Fathela”
- “Glory”
- “#Letigo”
- “Greener”
- “Sweet Aroma”
- “Flowers”
- “Everyday”
- “Too Much”
- “Chukua Selfie”
His music often blends contemporary styles with traditional Kenyan elements, making it appealing to a wide audience.
Awards and Nominations
Nyashinski has won several awards and been nominated for many more. Some of his notable awards include:
- Best Male Artist in Eastern Africa at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)
- Best Hip-Hop Artist at the Pulse Music Video Awards
He has also been nominated for MTV Africa Music Awards and other prestigious music awards in Africa. These recognitions highlight his impact on the African music scene and his ability to produce music that resonates with audiences across the continent.
Oluwa