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| Musician John DeMathew died in a road accident yesterday (Sunday) night. |
The country
is mourning the death of a renown Kikuyu Benga musician John Ng'ang'a Mwangi popularly
known as John DeMathew who met his death in a road accident on Sunday night.
President
Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday morning led other leaders in condoling with the family,
friends and the fans of the artiste describing him as a
brilliant and iconic singer.
“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. DeMathew championed and played a big role in preserving our cultural
heritage,” the head of state said.
His deputy William Ruto described the musician as great composer of Kikuyu
lyrics who used his music to fight societal vices such as alcoholism as well as
messages of promoting peace and cohesion.
“He used his talent to teach us life lessons and convey social-economic
and cultural messages especially to the youth,” Dr Ruto said.
Others
leaders who have mourned the celebrated artiste include mount Kenya region
leaders where the singer comes from led by Murang’a governor Mwangi Wa Iria.
His Machakos counterpart Dr. Alfred Mutua also expressed his deep sympathy and prayers to the musician's family.
The
deceased encountered his death near Blue Post hotel in Thika, along the busy
Thika- Kenol road. His car, eye witnesses said was speeding before it rammed
into a lorry. The musician was coming from a fundraiser in
Murang'a where they were contributing towards his friend's (Peter Kigia) hospital
bill. Those who were with him said that
he was jovial during the event and even bide them goodbyes not knowing he would
meet his death moments later.
DeMathew
was born in Murang’a County over 50years ago in Gatanga constituency. He was a
fourth born in his family .His music career took off in December 1986 and since
then has managed to record over 50 albums and more than 300 songs.
He was
popularly known for his two hit songs: ‘Njata
yakwa' and ‘Nduku'.The late
artiste has left behind two wives and three children.
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
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