After a decade spent abroad in the United States, Nyamari Ongegu, popularly known as Nyashinski, returned to Kenya with a newfound perspective on life and music.
His journey back home was marked by a desire to rediscover his roots and pursue his passion for music, a talent he had put on hold while he explored other opportunities in a foreign land.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Upon arriving in Delaware, USA, at the age of 21, Nyashinski was initially thrilled at the prospect of a new beginning, despite being aware that he was leaving his music career behind.
“It was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. Growing up with that attention from my music may have stunted me somewhat. I was happy to leave Kenya. I had started getting tired of keeping up with the momentum of releasing good music. Plus the allure of the US we saw in movies was enticing.” Nyasinki recalled.
In the US, Nyashinski embarked on a job search, eventually finding work delivering transaction proofs to banks.
“Many Kenyans do that job over there. I was getting Sh91,044 (900 dollars) per week. It was a full day’s job. I lived with a little dog and the money sustained me just fine, though the living expenses were higher there than here.”
However, the long hours and the solitude of the road took a toll on him. Seeking better opportunities, he transitioned to the trucking business, which required him to undergo a short truck-driving course.
“I called up my father and told him about it. That I needed about 5000 dollars for the course. Dad was shocked, to say the least. “You want to drive trucks? After refusing to go back to university?” But he relented and he went looking for the money because he didn’t have it. We aren’t very rich, but he finally managed to get the money and I enrolled for the driving course for three months.”
After the training, he was given a truck to run.
Despite the financial stability, the job was physically and emotionally draining.
The long hours on the road led to strained relationships and took a toll on his health.
“I had started wearing out. The job runs you down. And it is a lonely existence because you are on the road for weeks on end. Just you, the truck and the long road ahead. Relationships breakdown, your health suffers too. I knew many older drivers whose marriages had broken down due to the work. Also, I know I worried my parents a lot. They didn’t know where I was sleeping, they were scared of me getting an accident, which thankfully, through the years, I didn’t. Not even a speeding ticket,”
While the trucking business provided financial security, Nyashinski felt a persistent call to return to his true passion: music.
After years of contemplation, Nyashinski made the decision to come back home to Kenya. He sought his parents’ blessings and moved back into their Nairobi West home in 2016.
However, he was determined not to deplete his savings for his music career. Instead, he used the income he generated locally to fund his musical pursuits.
His return marked a turning point in his life and career. Nyashinski was ready to remind Kenyans of his musical talent.
With a newfound determination and the support of his family, he embarked on a journey to reclaim his place in the Kenyan music industry.
As Nyashinski returned to Kenya, he decided to reintroduce himself to the Kenyan music scene with the release of his hit song “Now You Know.”
The song garnered immense attention and signaled his triumphant return to the industry. His unique blend of Swahili and English lyrics resonated with audiences, making him an instant sensation.
Following the success of “Now You Know,” Nyashinski continued to release chart-topping hits such as “Mungu Pekee” and “Aminia.”
Nyashinski’s musical comeback was met with overwhelming support and recognition.
He received nominations and awards at prestigious events such as the Pulse Music Video Awards and the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA).
His music videos gained millions of views on YouTube, showcasing his global appeal.
