Kleptomaniax

Kleptomaniax was a music group consisting of three members: Roba (Robert Manyasa), Collo (Collins Majale) and Nyashinski (Nyamari Ongegu). Kleptomaniax was formed in 1999, when they were still high school students at the Nairobi School. The group joined the Ogopa DJ’s label and released their first single, “Freak It” in 2002 and was followed by “Maniax Anthem” and “Haree.” They were picked by Ogopa DJ’s while still in school. In 2004 the group released another single “Tuendelee”, which became their biggest hit so far. The song was written as a response for the “Diss track” by various hip hop musician (including Bamboo), who criticised the commercial Kapuka music style performed by Kleptomaniax among others. Their debut album M4E (an abbreviation for Maniax Forever) was released in 2005. Later that year the group received a MTV Europe Music Awards nomination for the Best African Act, a category awarded for the first time, but won by Nigerian recording artist 2Face Idibia. The Kapuka rappers made a comeback together, albeit without Roba. Nyashinski and Collo have dropped a new joint dubbed ‘Hii Mtaa Ina Manyoka’ produced by Keggah of Beat Ya Keggah. The hit follows up on Nyashinski’s collaboration with Nameless ‘Letigo.’ Good to have him back!! In 2007 Kleptomaniax toured the USA under the management of Fakii Liwali. After 2007 the group had a break while their members engaged in solo projects. The group has since made comeback, but have left Ogopa DJ’s. The group released their second album NITT (Now Is The Time) in 2009. It is then believed to have disbanded after the release of their second album to pursue solo careers.