This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
John DeMathew, a beloved Benga musician, left an indelible mark on Kenya's music scene. Born in Gathiruini, Gatanga Constituency, DeMathew began his music career in 1986 with his first song Jennifer.
His journey to stardom was not without its challenges. DeMathew sold vegetables and later opened a butchery in Kariobangi, Nairobi, before meeting musicians Timona Mburu and Joseph Wamumbe who helped him refine his compositions.
DeMathew's breakthrough came in 1987 with the release of his hit song My Dear Nduku, produced by Albert Gacheru. He went on to feature in numerous hit songs, including Njata Yakwa, which he credited to Sabina Chege for 'transforming his life.'
DeMathew was not only a talented musician but also a devoted supporter of President Uhuru Kenyatta, campaigning for him in both 2013 and 2017. In 2015, he celebrated 30 years of music at the Thika Stadium, attended by then Kiambu Governor William Kabogo.
However, DeMathew's life was not without controversy. He was charged with hate speech in 2012 for lyrics deemed inciting by the state. His death in a road accident near Blue Post Hotel in Thika came almost a year after another popular Kikuyu musician, Joseph Kamaru, died in October.
