This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
Located in the heart of Kenya, Muranga County is famous for its lush green hills and fertile farmlands, where crops such as bananas, tea, coffee, and fruits thrive. However, few people know that this county is also the birthplace of benga music, popularly known as mugithi.
De'Mathew, a legendary Gikuyu benga musician, was born in Nakuru County but later moved to Muranga County, where he found his musical roots. With a career spanning over 30 years, De'Mathew gave his fans hit after hit, leaving behind an impressive array of more than 375 songs from his 50 albums produced to date.
His music touched on various topics, including love, death, politics, joy, and happiness, as well as some very controversial songs. De'Mathew's music career kicked off in 1986 with his first hit, Jennifer, which he composed while in class 7. His most recent hit in 2019 was Arume Twi Na U.
Before becoming a renowned musician, De'Mathew used to farm and sell clothes to make ends meet. However, he stayed true to his love for music and formed a band called the 'Mbogo-ini stars.' He later moved to Nairobi in 1987 and recorded his first album, Rekeria Wendo.
De'Mathew was not only a talented musician but also a philanthropist. He formed the Talented Musicians and Composers Sacco (TAMCO) to promote the welfare of musicians and their financial well-being. Through his John De'Mathew Foundation, he promoted peace and cohesion through his music and peace campaigns in various parts of the country.
De'Mathew won several awards for his music, including the head of state commendation in 2018. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and entertain fans to this day.
