John De'Mathew

  1. Home
  2. Wiki

John De'Mathew, real name is John Ng'ang'a Mwangi[1], born in Gathiruini village, which lies in the Mukurwe-ini sub-location of Gatanga Constituency, Murang’a County, Kenya. He was a Kikuyu Benga artist who died in 2019 due to a tragic road accident [2]along the Thika Super Highway.[3] He was recognized as the Kikuyu prophet since his music passed across coded messages that came to pass.[4] In July 2012, John De'Mathew and two others were arraigned in court over hate songs.[5]

Early life and education

[edit]

John De’Mathew was born in Gathiruini village, Gatanga Constituency, Murang’a County. He was the fourth of eight children. He attended Mukurwe-ini (now Githambia) Primary School, later joining Naaro Secondary School in Kandara and Igikiro Secondary School in Murang’a.[1] Before his music career, he engaged in small businesses to make a living, including hawking vegetables at Soko Mjinga market, selling meat in Kariobangi, and later trading plastic sandals in Nakuru.[6]

Marriage and family

[edit]

De’Mathew was married to two wives, Sarafina Wairimu and Caroline Waithera, with whom he had seven children. Both wives described him as a loving and supportive husband, as well as a present father who cared deeply for his family.[7]

Music career

[edit]

De’Mathew composed his first song while in Standard Seven. His professional career began in December 1986 with the single Jenifer, supported by musicians Timona Mburu and Joseph Wamumbe. His second release, My Dear Nduku (1987), became a major hit and propelled him into the limelight.

Over the course of three decades, he recorded more than 50 albums and around 375 songs. His music often employed Kikuyu proverbs and metaphors to pass coded social and cultural messages, earning him the nickname “the Agikuyu prophet.” Some of his notable songs include Njata Yakwa, Thi ni igiri, My Brother, Pin Number, Mwihuguro, Meme Mene Tekeli, and Ngoro Gitina.[4]

Legacy

[edit]

Beyond his music, De’Mathew made lasting contributions to the welfare of Kenyan musicians. In 2019, he championed the creation of the Talented Musicians and Composers (TAMCO) Sacco,[8] which brought together artists to promote financial independence and reduce reliance on public fundraisers in times of illness or death.[9] The Sacco, supported by Murang’a County Government, later invested in property to secure sustainable income for members.

De’Mathew also played a mentorship role, nurturing upcoming artists and encouraging them to use music as a tool for storytelling, cultural preservation, and empowerment.

He died on 18 August 2019 following a road accident near Blue Post Hotel along the Thika Super Highway. His death was mourned across the nation, with leaders including President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, and Raila Odinga describing him as a cultural icon whose music inspired and educated generations[10].

Discography

[edit]

Some of the standout tracks that brought John De’Mathew widespread recognition include:

  • My Dear Nduku (his breakthrough hit in 1987)
  • Njata Yakwa
  • Pin Number
  • Mwihuguro
  • Kireke Tũturanie
  • Meme Mene Tekeli
  • Ngoro Gitina
  • Arume Kwi Na Mbu
  • Nengereria Kane
  • Kireke Tuturanie

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "The life and times of Benga musician John DeMathew". Daily Nation. 2020-06-29. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  2. ^ Wambu, Betty Njeru and Wainaina. "The life and times of John DeMathew". The Standard. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  3. ^ "Kikuyu benga musician John DeMathew dies in road crash". k24 TV Team. K24. 19 August 2019. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  4. ^ a b "The 'prophet' that was Kikuyu benga star John DeMathew". Elly Gitau, K24 Digital. K24. 19 August 2019. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  5. ^ "Musicians in court over hate songs". Nation. 3 July 2020. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  6. ^ "DeMathew: Former hawker who became top musician - Business Daily". www.businessdailyafrica.com. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  7. ^ Junior, Caroline Kimutai and Mireri. "De'Mathew's two wives describe musician as a soulmate and best friend". The Standard. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  8. ^ Gikandi, Boniface. "Musicians launch Sacco after years of fighting". The Standard. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  9. ^ "Music sacco wants Uhuru order enacted - Business Daily". www.businessdailyafrica.com. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  10. ^ "Uhuru, Ruto lead Kenyans in mourning John De Mathew". The Star. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
Stub icon

This Kenyan biographical article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.