Timeless impact: Njugush honours John DeMathew with an emotional tribute
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- August 18 marked exactly 7 years since legendary Mugithi singer John DeMathew died in a tragic road accident along Thika Road
- Popular comedian Njugush created a special tribute video channelling John DeMathew's iconic music video style, complete with a signature fedora hat
- The tribute video sparked an outpouring of emotion from fans who shared their feelings about the late singer's lasting impact on Mugithi music
August 18 was a bittersweet day for lovers of Mugithi music across Kenya, as the date marked seven years since the genre lost one of its most beloved voices.
John DeMathew, the iconic Kikuyu Benga singer widely celebrated for his distinctive style and catalogue of beloved songs, died after a road accident along Thika Road.
He was returning to Nairobi from a fundraiser when the crash occurred. He left behind two wives, Sarafina and Carolyne, as well as several children.
How did Njugush honour DeMathew
To mark the anniversary, comedian and actor Njugush put together a tribute that instantly resonated with fans.
Known for his humour-laced skits, Njugush took a slightly different approach this time, crafting a video that felt more like a heartfelt homage than a typical comedy clip.
In the video, Njugush donned a fedora hat, the very style that John had become synonymous with during his career.
He went further to recreate the visual feel of a classic Mugithi music video, complete with dancers performing in maize farms and energetic scene transitions that fans of the genre will immediately recognise.
Alongside the video, Njugush wrote:
"Seven years later, he still rules the airwaves. R.I.P De Mathew. The catalogue ya Huyu Legend is crazy !!! seiyaa."
Watch the video below:
Fans react
The post resonated deeply with followers, many of whom took to the comments section to share memories and reflect on the void the singer left behind in the local music scene.
Here are some of the comments shared:
Estah Irungu:
"Waoh Njugush can play all roles"
Angeline Nyambura:
"You've done this song a lot of Justice 😊"
Dan Kariuki:
"Out of nowhere 🤣 ❤️ this bro"
Faith Munyi:
"DNA test loading"
Ann Wairimu:
"Legend reincarnated"
Judy Kariuki:
"The accuracy even on video quality 😅😁😁"
Maina Gichohi:
"Perfect."
Judy Wanjiru:
"I remember I got a notification of his passing and brushed it off, thinking ni Hawa watu huua watu wakiwa hai, only to find it"
The tribute served as a reminder of just how deeply John's music had woven itself into Kenyan culture, with songs that continue to play on airwaves and at social gatherings years after his passing.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.