John demathew biography

- John Ng'ang'a Mwangi alias John DeMathew was born in Mukurwe-ini ,Gatanga constituency, Murang'a county

- The late musician was the son of Matthew and late Wanjiku and fourth born in a family of eight siblings

- His music career took off in December and he managed to record over 50 albums and more than songs

- DeMathew was married to two wives, Sarafina and Caroline Waithera, and is survived by three children

- He was considered by some as the king of Kikuyu benga music after death of Joseph Kamaru in October

On the evening of Sunday, August 18, the Kikuyu nation and local music industry as a whole lost another iconic and legendary benga musician.

John Ng'ang'a Mwangi, fondly known by many as John De'Mathew aka Baba Ciku, passed on following a tragic road crash near Blue Post Hotel on Thika super highway.

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Although he was very popular in Mount Kenya region, especially in Gatanga, Murang'a county where he hailed from,not so much was known aboutthe artiste in certain parts of the country.

Below are the seven known facts about the fallen Kikuyu music icon:

1.

Family

John Ng'ang'a Mwangi was born in Gathiru-ini village, Mukurwe-ini sub-location in Gatanga constituency, Murang'a county about 50 years ago.

He was the son of Matthew and the late Wanjiku. His name De'Mathew was coined from that of his father.

He was the fourth born in a family of eight siblings.

2.

Wives and children

De'Mathew was married to two wives, Sarafina and Caroline Waithera, and is survived by three children.

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3. Education and early life

The late musician started his education at Mukurwe-ini (currently Githambia) Primary School.

He proceeded to Naaro Secondary in Kandara and also schooled at Igikiro Secondary School.

Before venturing into music as a career, De'Mathew used to hawk vegetables at Nairobi's Soko Mjinga market.

He later abandoned the vegetables business and started selling meat in Kariobangi and then sold plastic shoes (Sandak) in Nakuru.

4.

John demathew biography In he released the hit My Dear Nduku. Telephone number: , Email: [email protected]. The Nairobian Fashion Money. Musical journey Armed with three songs, he came to Nairobi in the 80s where he sold vegetables and later opened a butchery in Kariobangi.

Music career and fame

According to those who knew him well and at a personal level, De'Mathew composed his first ever song while he was still in Class Seven.

His music career officially took off in December with the help of Timona Mburu and Joseph Wamumbe who helped the young artiste to release his first single, Jenifer.

He proceeded to release his hit song My Dear Nduku in August which thrust him into the limelight and propelled him to fame.

During his time, De'Mathew's recorded well over 50 albums and songs under his name.

He was arguably the most influential artiste from Central Kenya.

He was best known for unleashing hit songs with hidden cultural, political and social messages.

Some of his biggest hits include: Nii Kii Wacokera?, Menye Menye, Jogoo Ya Town, Thii Biu, Property, Nyina wa Carol, Simama Mama, Niwanyumire Thayu and Wituite Hiti.

Others were My Brother, Mwihuguro, Mene Mene Tekeli, Njata Yakwa, Mary, Niundukaniirie, Mami Ke Nguinire, Ruhiu Rwa Guka, Chiunguyu Iria Nene and Ngucokia Ngatho.

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Far from his illustrious music career, the late who was also considered one of the wealthiest and most admired musicians in Mount Kenya region was also the chairperson of Tamco Sacco.

The Sacco was formed to uplift the welfare of musicians.

5.

Relationship with Murang'a Woman Rep Sabina Chege

Murang'a woman representative Sabina Chege was featured dancing and crooning in video of De'Mathew's hit song Njata Yakwa.

Sabina was at some point rumoured to be dating the musician.

She is currently married to Maina Gathitu.

6. Controversies

The late benga maestro was in July arrested and charged alongside other Kikuyu musicians for composing and releasing a song that was deemed to be fueling hate speech.

The other two were musician John Muigai alias Muigai wa Njoroge and Mark Kamande wa Kioi.

The trio denied the charge and were each released on KSh , cash bail.

DeMathew defended himself saying his political song Witueti Hiti (You have made yourself a hyena), was misinterpreted.

death

As was reported by earlier, De'Mathew died on Sunday evening after he was involved in a tragic road accident near Blue Post hotel along Thika super highway.

Thika base commander Elenah Wamuyu said the musician's car rammed into a lorry on his way from a fundraiser at Metro Bar in Thika in support of fellow musician, Peter Kigia's daughter.

He was considered by some as the new king of Kikuyu benga music after Joseph Kamaru who died on October 3, , at the age of

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