Singer Nyashinski Speaks of ‘Harsh’ Lifein US That Forced Him to Return to Kenya
Celebrated Kenyan rapper Nyamari Ongegu, alias Nyashinski, has opened up about the challenges he faced after moving to the US.
Nyashinski relocated to Delaware over 10 years ago together with his family at a time when his music career had begun to pick up. He was a member of the Kleptomaniacs music group.
Speaking on his YouTube channel which premiered recently, the artiste admitted life in the US turned out to be the opposite of what he expected.
“When we moved abroad, I had completely quit music. I was working back in the States as a truck driver. I used to drive a lorry, trying to survive,” he said.
Nyashinski says he experienced challenges adjusting to the new environment and his only company was the truck he was driving for long hours.
“You only stop to fuel, sleep, shower, and use the bathroom. So you find yourself enjoying small conversations with people you meet for five minutes. At least it was a way from that cage.”
The experience made him reflect on his life and regretted leaving Kenya where he had a social life and a good career.
“That experience taught me a lot. Two things that were life-changing for me back then was one, when I was here, I was a star. People recognized me everywhere and we were doing what we loved,” he says.
“I moved from a place where I was known and getting a bit of favors here and there to a place where no one knows me. No special treatment and you must work because you have to eat.”
A friend who noticed his passion for music urged him to go to the studio and record, a move that sparked his urge to return home.
“So back in the States, my friend told me to just go in the studio and exert that pressure as a lyricist. I did not have to release the songs. But I found myself listening to a beat, creating a song, and then wanting to perfect it, and then I want people to listen. That is how I found myself back into the music world and came back home,” he remarked.
With the blessings of his parents, Ongegu returned to Kenya in 2016 before making a comeback in music months later. His comeback was marked by his song ‘Now You Know’, which became fans’ favorite.
He has since released many hits such as Malaika, Bebi Bebi, Mungu Pekee, and Hello. He has also done collaborations with popular artistes including Sauti Sol.
