Rapper Nyashinski on possible Kleptomaniax reunion and forthcoming song featuring Collo

P: You left for the US at the peak of your career and equally when Kleptomaniax was at its prime. What was the reason for this?

N: It was a personal decision. I needed a change of environment and also to take a break and reassess myself. Above all I needed to spend time with my family who are in the US. Today, however, I am back indefinitely.

P: Why did you choose to go solo, and should we expect a Klepto reunion?

N: We have no beef and this still makes us close brothers. At the moment Collo has a lot going for him while Roba is in Malindi. On the other hand, I just got back from the US and I am in the process of re-inventing myself. Nevertheless, there is a possibility of a re-union.

P: It appears you decided to change your style of music in the song Letigo by Nameless, in which you are featured?

N: Well, it was more of a back and forth fun song that gave me a humbling experience to be able to work with my longtime friend Nameless. Listening to the track, I was inspired to sing as opposed to rapping.

P: Your last huge hit Tuendelee, a response to a dis track by some underground artists released in 2004 including your new one Now You Know, appear full of anger. Are you by any chance reclaiming your lost position?

N: On the contrary my songs are more retrospective of what I feel. Besides, it has nothing to do with reclaiming my lost position since I have always been there and will continue to do so.

P: Questions have been raised concerning the drug abuse story line in your song Now You Know with others insinuating that you sang about your personal experience?

N: People are entitled to their own opinion and it is a good thing. Nevertheless, if you listen to the song keenly you will realise that it more of a continuous thought than a personal experience. It has nothing to do with me using drugs as presumed by a section of people.

P: Tell us about your collabo Hii Mtaa Ina Manyoka with Collo, without Roba?

N: Like I said Collo is a brother to me. We decided to do a project together that happens to be one of our ultimate comebacks. This aside we have already recorded a number of stuff to be released.

P: What are you up to at the moment?

N: I have lots of surprises in store. I plan on doing lots of collabos, working with different producers and venturing into many sounds. I also plan on taking risks – things that may be difficult for some people to digest.

P: What is your take on local rappers?

N: I appreciate the good work they are doing. It is always good to remember that Kenyans are a complicated people who will not let you get away with bad, horrible music. And for them to be accepted locally is a clear indication that they are doing a great job. Take for instance Sauti Sol who have gone miles ahead to put Kenyan music on the world map.

P: What of the local music industry?

N: Although we are doing a great job, there is always room for improvement. It is high time we step up our game.

P: In your opinion is it safe to do hit songs on a weekly basis or it is better to take a hiatus before doing so?

N: Both have its pros and cons. When you take a hiatus –it gives you time to refresh yourself creatively but at the same time releasing hits on a high clip keeps you sharp.

P: Are you planning on releasing an album?

N: I am thinking about it considering that the responses of my songs have been nothing short of amazing.

P: In what ways has your newest music changed from when you first started??

N: I have undergone a significant growth as far as my songwriting, production, projection and myself as a person goes. Today I know a lot more and I am more confident in my ability to not only write and record my lyrics, but to mix down my vocals and take chances when it comes to manipulating my voice and my subject matter. My music has become a part of my lifestyle and not necessarily a hobby anymore. The feedback I get is an indication that I am headed in the right direction.