Kenyan music star Nyamari Ongegu, better known as Nyashinski, has inked a landmark recording deal with global music powerhouse Sony Music, becoming one of the few East African artists to join the label.

Sony Music Africa announced the signing on Instagram, also unveiling Nyashinski’s new single Tai Chi, which dropped at midnight EAT as the first of several projects under the partnership.

“Big welcome to the ‘Sony Music Africa’ family, @realshinski 🇰🇪 🐐. Tai Chi out at midnight EAT,” the label posted.

Sony Music Africa Managing Director Sean Watson praised Nyashinski’s artistry, describing him as a perfect representation of “authenticity, versatility, longevity, and excellence” in East African music.

“This partnership is about more than music; it’s about elevating the culture and giving East African voices the global platform they deserve,” Watson said.

Nyashinski called the deal a recognition of the region’s rich musical talent.
“This partnership with Sony Music is more than just a deal; it’s a recognition of East Africa’s rich musical talent and a platform to showcase our stories to the world,” he wrote on Instagram.

Nyashinski began his career in the early 2000s with the rap trio Kleptomaniax.

After years abroad, he returned to Kenya in 2016 and relaunched as a solo artist with hits like Now You Know and Mungu Pekee, the latter boasting nearly 3 million Spotify streams.

With the Sony deal, industry watchers say the hitmaker is poised for even greater global reach.