Kenyan rapper Nyashinski has officially announced his new deal with Sony Music. The deal, signed in Johannesburg, South Africa, means the “WachWach” rapper joins a roster of artists that includes Tyla, Britney Spears, SZA, Future and many more.
Sharing the news on his social media, Nyashinski said he was excited for the new opportunity and this chapter in his career.
“This is a product of my choices and lots of love from many people, that’s why we’re here. It’s an exciting time for me, for my family and my team. I give my all in my work, so it’s going to be a fun ride,” he said.
Sony Music Africa’s Sean Watson praised him as “authentic, versatile, and artistically excellent.”
In honour of the signing, Nyashinski has released a new single “Tai Chi”, his first under the global umbrella.
The rise of Shinski
Born Nyamari Ongegu, popularly referred to as Nyashinski, or Shinski to his fans, he began his rap career in 1999 when he co-founded the beloved Kenyan rap group Kleptomanix alongside Roba and Collo while still at Nairobi School.
The group released hits like “Freak It,” “Maniax Anthem,” “Haree,” but it is “Tuendelee,” that captured the hearts of a generation and is still beloved to this day. Their popularity and flow earned the group an MTV Europe Music Awards nomination for Best African Act in 2005.
The group eventually went on hiatus as Nyashinski relocated to the U.S. in 2006 and worked as a truck driver before making one of Kenya’s most remarkable musical comebacks in 2016 with the hit “Now You Know”.
His 2016 resurgence earned him the Pulse Music Video Award for “Now You Know”, and in 2017, his soulful ballad “Malaika” won the Mdundo Award for Most Downloaded Male Single.
Beyond being among the most nominated artistes in East Africa, Nyashinski is also among the most streamed. Boomplay’s April 2023 data ranked Nyashinski as the third-most-streamed rapper in Kenya, with approximately 38.9 million streams, behind only Wakadinali and Khaligraph Jones.
In 2025, Spotify data ranked Nyashinski second with 28 million streams citing his prowess and choice of collaborations.
“Nyashinski continues to straddle lyrical depth and mainstream success with tracks like Shots (with Cedo) and Under the Influence (with female hip hop heavyweight Femi One),” the statement from Spotify read.
The rapper has expressed confidence in the partnership and what it means for East Africa.
“This partnership is more than just a deal—it’s recognition of East Africa’s rich talent,” Nyashinski said.
