What you missed at Nyashinski's Shin City
By: nelvin Polvin Nelvin
Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2022
“What is love in your language?” Kenyan musician and live performance sensation Nyashinski asked a reveller, before launching into his radio hit ‘Malaika’.
The night did deliver on his promise of an experience. Upon entrance to the expansive Carnivore grounds, one’s eyes were met with props relevant to Nyashinski’s discography. From a steepled church (reminiscent of the song ‘Glory’) to plaques and posters with lyrics from his numerous hits, fans had no shortage of photo-worthy backdrops and content fodder. Also included in the entertainment buffet that was the night were photo booths, PlayStation consoles and vendors with all kinds of youth culture-adjacent products.
He performed an impressive set list that left the crowd chanting ‘Fathela’ (another of his hits) at the end of it all, perhaps a testament to the palpable energy he saturated the crowd with. The audience went wild when the first of the night’s cameos Chris Kaiga came on-stage to perform his verse in the hit song ‘Hapo Tu’. Nobody seemingly missed a beat and in the end, it was a truly Kenyan celebration.
Notably, the energy remained at high levels when Femi One came on to perform ‘Properly’. The obvious chemistry between the two Kenyan giants was capped by an entertaining dance, itself a salute to Black Panther’s famous “Wakanda Forever” signal, with one’s fists across the chest in a dramatic way. Nothing about the night was short of captivating.
He also performed material from his ‘Kleptomaniax’ days. One would think the crowd consisting of young people would not enjoy this, and they’d be wrong! Everyone joined in in singing along, and those among us (this writer included) who could not remember the lyrics were content to dance and jump in concert with everyone else. There was no shortage of energy to strengthen even the most unbothered and aloof attendee.
Various brands sponsoring the night were all with a vested interest in investing in Kenya’s burgeoning youth market. All present found great value from these companies’ offerings, from entertainment booths to merchandise (also called ‘swag’ by those in the know).
At the end of the night, he performed the song ‘Aminia”, as if to say he’d kept his promise, and vowed to keep putting out authentic, fresh material for his esteemed audience to enjoy. All in attendance threw up their hands in song and dance as the energy came to a crescendo. One can only imagine what it meant when he began to introduce his staffers and the live band with a tone of finality in his voice. The ‘Fathela’ chants signed that it was an evening to be remembered, with a crowd that was left both satisfied and desirous of more. That there is a mark of excellence, and is a testament to his experience and quality as an artiste.
From performance to crowd work, vendors and general experience, the long-time entertainer provided a time that could only be found in foreign concerts, Belgium’s Tomorrowland being a fine example.
Article by: Albert Wambura
