This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
On August 21, 2019, the music industry was left reeling by the tragic passing of John De Mathew, a beloved Kikuyu folk music icon. In the aftermath of this devastating loss, several musicians took to social media to express their condolences and share their thoughts on the matter.
Among those who spoke out was Willy Paul, a prominent Kenyan musician known for his outspoken views. In a recent interview, Willy Paul revealed that he had no knowledge of John De Mathew's passing, nor was he aware of the musician's identity.
'Hiyo story nimeskia kutoka kwako…' (I heard the story from you...), Willy Paul said in response to being asked about John De Mathew's passing. This shocking admission left many in the music industry stunned, particularly given Willy Paul's outspoken nature.
It's worth noting that Willy Paul was not the only musician to speak out against the music rights organization MCSK, which has been accused of disrespecting Kenyan artists and underpaying royalties. Sauti Sol, another prominent Kenyan band, also released a statement criticizing MCSK's practices.
