Nyashinsk remains wise, warm but still talking about real issues; Album review of release “Lucky You!”

BY EMBUKANE LIBOSSO

Let’s delve into a showcase of hip-hop, Afro-beats, trap, Afro-pop and R&B. We also discover a versatile and matured Nyashinski, or Nyash as we used to call him back in the days. A man who proved that a Kenyan rapper could make a comeback after years from the game, and still dominate the airwaves. He reinvented himself as the comeback king.

The title track from the album Lucky You sits at number eight. I went all the way down to start off by listening to it perhaps to get a glimpse of what the album holds. The thing about the song is that he slams anyone who believes he has made it all this way because of luck. It is his open letter to some of his fame struggles. You can mock his struggles, but he proves he has done things differently since his hey days.

Tying back to the first track on the album Greener, Nyashinski addresses the proverbial statement that grass is always greener on the other side. The intro is captivating. He uses the classic style he did with Now You Know, using his voice on a repetitive hook, and lacing the track with his flow. The deeper humming and human beat boxing vibe add flare to the track.

Sweet Aroma is a laid-back track. It is a celebratory song. Like pretty much all rappers, he is aware that not everyone is happy with his comeback, but he still remains G.O.A.T.

With a Latin pop chop, we find Nyash on G.O.A.T where he hails his longevity in the industry. The tempo is perfect for him to toast his rhymes and he is not one to forget his roots, hailing Sauti Sol on the track. Listeners will find the Latin chords springing to mind but will also find his flow not left aside.

Glory is Nyashinski’s raised antennae in tune to the past as well as the present. While the fans and industry alike glorify him, he has his glory fixated on God. The playful song in terms of words and lyricism finds a Nyashinksi who has a grip on consciousness: “Glory si hupea God / Lawama shetani na bangi / We jiconvince unafanya kazi / Mi niko kazi we jali kutrend.”

Traveller is a song that is harsh in a way. How do you tell your lady that she will just be another memory? How do you tell her that despite what she had planned that night, tomorrow you will be gone? Eyebrows raised on this one.

With Time we stumble on a sentimental Nyashinski. He comes out a little motivational but always one to introspect on how well he can maximize his time. Man, who knew Sheng slang can sound so uplifting. This is one for any streets to uplift themselves.

That consciousness extends to his last tracks, Wach, Too Much, Fathela and Flowers. He remains wise, warm but still talking about real issues.

• Lucky You the album just leaves you eager to see where Nyash goes next!

  Tracks:
  Greener
  Sweet Aroma
  Glory
  Traveller
  G.O.A.T
  Time
  Everyday
  Lucky You
  Wach
  Too much
  Fathela
  Flowers