Nyashinski Returns with Yariasu & Sony Music East Africa Deal

Nyashinski, the Kenyan artist known for his uncompromising excellence and razor-sharp lyricism, is knee-deep into his next chapter.

Five years after his debut album Lucky You, he is back with his sophomore offering, Yariasu. But much has changed in the half-decade in between the two albums. Today, backed by a new deal with Sony Music Entertainment, Nyashinski is expanding his reach beyond borders while still grounding himself in the roots that made him. From his breakout days with the iconic Kenyan rap trio Kleptomaniax to his solo resurgence as a lyrical powerhouse after a decade abroad, Nyashinski remains devoted to the music and the people who’ve been with him since day one.

And he’s not afraid to reflect on that growth. “[My sound] has grown up over the years,” he tells OkayAfrica. “It’s aged with time… matured rather.” That maturity is all over Yariasu, an album anchored in bold introspection, ambition, and the pressure of legacy.

“I will be legendary/ You will remember me,” he declares on the album’s opener, “Legendary.” 

In this exclusive interview with OkayAfrica, Nyashinski opens up about Yariasu and his (re)introduction to fans with his new deal.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

OkayAfrica: Congratulations on your new album, Yariasu. What’s the story behind the title, and what does it represent thematically?

Nyashinski: Yariasu is just a name I coined. I want to name my albums from now on like I would name my children. Something special for me.

What kind of stories are you telling through this album?

This album is me. It’s my honest work. It’s me dedicating all my efforts to share a message, encouragement, inspiration, and entertainment in my own way.

How did your personal experiences shape the themes you explore in this album?

I’d say a lot of growth, perspectives, having kids, and turning 40. Thinking far into the future — how I’d like to be remembered, what I can do to make it easier for those who come after me, [such as] encouraging them to go hard in anything they do.

Compared to your previous projects, how is Yariasu different in terms of sound, message, or intention?

It’s been a lot of boldness, risks, and experiments with this album. This album is a Pan-African world. It is an album for and to the world.

What was the creative process like for this album? 

It took me about eight months to put this album together, from writing to recording, re-recording, getting excited by new sounds and thoughts, etc. The process was easy [because] I worked with producers I’ve worked with before, like K-Da-Great, iLogos, and a new producer called GL, whom I’ve never worked with before.

Were there any collaborators who pushed you in new directions?

This album has no collaborations, and that was intentional. It was important that this album — and what it achieves — is tied solely to [my] brand. Collaborations can come later. 

You have released two singles, “Tai Chi” and “P.I.C. (Partner In Crime).” Tell me about them.

“Tai Chi” is a song that I wanted to do for my Day One fans, my home fans, my Kenyan fans. It was important that it was the first song off the album. With the song, I hope to encourage hustle, being careful in whatever you do, while having fun in life. 

“[PIC]” is an ode to the people who hold you down no matter what. It could be anyone in your life — a friend, spouse, or business partner. It’s about the intent of the relationship you have.

Which songs on the album do you feel the most personal connection to and why?

[The] most important songs to me — not [necessarily] favorites — are “Legendary” and “Becoming.” [They are] the first and last song, respectively — the intro and the outro of my story. 

You’re known for balancing lyrical complexity with commercial appeal. How do you find that balance? 

Would you believe it if I said it comes naturally? Imagine when you think of an idea and you absolutely have to share it with someone. You think up the best way to describe it to the person. And when speaking to them, you kinda know what would appeal to them to sell them the idea, right? That’s it!

Congratulations on signing with Sony Music! What does this partnership symbolize for you personally?

Thank you! It’s an ideal partnership that we needed for where we were going. I appreciate the confidence Sony Music Africa has in my potential to grow as an artist from Kenya and East Africa, and to elevate my music to new heights.

You’ve been an independent artist for years. Why did now feel like the right time to align with a global record label?

I’ve been having general discussions over the years with a number of music and label executives, and I didn’t want to rush it until I was ready and found the ideal fit. Sony Music Africa was it. Having [Sony Music’s] Christine “Seven” Mosha — who has been in the industry for years and understands our brand — was very key.

What lessons are you taking with you forward, having been an independent artist?

Don’t forget your home base, ever. Strive to understand and learn more and more about the music business. Don’t lose yourself … but at the same time don’t be afraid to experiment, as long as it’s your soul speaking through the music.

With the new Sony Music deal, you’re reintroducing your earlier classics to streaming platforms. What was the significance of making those songs available to a worldwide audience once again?

With the new deal, there is a huge opportunity to potentially expose as much of my music as possible to the world. And not just via streaming but with potential sync deals, remixes, etc. In music, the catalog is king.

With this “reintroduction,” which classics are you most excited for fans to reconnect with?

Actually, I’m curious to see what the different audiences will pick up on. Sony Music Africa has a way to work that out. I trust them, so we’ll wait to see what they do and what the results would be.

With these transitions, how do you see your role in shaping modern Kenyan music and storytelling?

While I don’t see myself as the primary shaper, I believe it’s very important to use my voice to demonstrate improved methods and advocate for the music industry when possible. Hence, my words in the song “Legendary”: “I’m making noise at breakfast so they have dinner.”

Listen to Yariasu on Spotify