Kenyan rap icon Nyashinski has officially joined the Sony Music family in a milestone deal signed in Johannesburg, South Africa. The move places the “WachWach” hitmaker alongside an elite roster that includes Tyla, Britney Spears, SZA, and Future.
Announcing the signing on his social media platforms, Nyashinski expressed excitement about the new 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, my family and my team. I give my all in my work, so it’s going to be a fun ride,” he said.
Sean Watson, Managing Director of Sony Music Africa, lauded the rapper as “authentic, versatile, and artistically excellent,” underscoring the label’s confidence in his global potential.
To mark the signing, Nyashinski has released Tai Chi, his first single under Sony Music’s global umbrella.
Born Nyamari Ongegu, Nyashinski began his musical journey in 1999 when he co-founded the legendary Kenyan rap group Kleptomanix with Roba and Collo while still in high school. The group delivered classics such as Freak It, Maniax Anthem, Haree, and the timeless anthem Tuendelee, earning an MTV Europe Music Awards nomination for Best African Act in 2005.
After relocating to the U.S. in 2006 and working as a truck driver, Nyashinski made a stunning comeback to the Kenyan music scene in 2016 with the hit Now You Know, which won a Pulse Music Video Award. His 2017 ballad Malaika also bagged the Mdundo Award for Most Downloaded Male Single.
Streaming statistics confirm his enduring popularity. Boomplay data from April 2023 ranked him the third-most-streamed rapper in Kenya with 38.9 million streams, while Spotify’s 2025 figures placed him second with 28 million streams, crediting his lyrical depth and high-profile collaborations, including Shots with Cedo and Under the Influence with Femi One.
Nyashinski sees the Sony partnership as a win for the region.
“This partnership is more than just a deal it’s recognition of East Africa’s rich talent,” he said.
With Tai Chi now out and a global label backing him, Nyashinski’s next chapter promises to be one of the most exciting in his storied career.
