This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
On August 18, 2019, Kikuyu Benga musician John Ng'ang'a, popularly known as John DeMathew, tragically lost his life in a road accident near Blue Post Hotel.
President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a message of condolence to DeMathew's family, relatives, friends, and fans, describing him as a gifted musician who not only entertained but also mentored other upcoming Kenyan musicians.
"As a nation, we were privileged to have had such a brilliant artiste who played a big role in promoting our African cultural heritage through his music. Indeed, we have lost an icon in the music industry," the President said.
DeMathew was a renowned musician with over 50 albums to his name and was known for his hits such as Property, Ni Wathire Ukindiga, Mene Mene Tekel, and Njata Yakwa, which featured Murang'a County Women Representative Sabina Wanjiru Chege.
He was the chairperson of the newly-launched Tamco Sacco, which aimed to uplift the welfare of musicians, and was hailed from Gatanga in Murang'a County.
