John Maina, better known to fans as MC Fullstop, died at the age of 46. He passed away on 1 August after a long and painful fight with tuberculosis, bringing to an end a powerful voice that had defined Kenya’s reggae and dancehall scene for over two decades.
News of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, musicians, broadcasters, and public figures. Many remember him not just as a hype man, but as the voice that carried a generation.
“We mourn the loss of a true Kenyan legend today,” radio presenter Maina Kageni posted online.
“The greatest MC Kenya has ever seen,” said media personality Azeezah Hashim.
A Voice of the Streets
Maina’s career began in the early 1990s when he first took the mic at 14 years old. Born and raised in Nairobi, he built his following one show at a time, from the estates of Githurai and Kayole to club stages and national television.
He earned the name MC Fullstop for one reason — once he got hold of the microphone, no one else stood a chance. His energy was unmatched. His presence, undeniable.
Through the 2000s and 2010s, Fullstop became a central figure in Kenya’s music scene. He worked with major media outlets, including Kiss FM, Citizen TV, K24, and NRG Radio. On the airwaves and in live shows, he helped reggae and dancehall break through to mainstream Kenyan audiences.
He was best known for his opening chant — “Thika! Thika! Thika!” — which became a fixture in DJ mixes across the country. His performances, often alongside DJs like Tall DJ Smash and DJ Juan, were filled with rhythm, humour, and a deep love for the music.
The Fight That Silenced a Legend
In 2021, Maina announced that he had been diagnosed with tuberculosis of the lungs. The illness eventually caused the complete collapse of his left lung. A year later, he was diagnosed with throat TB — a blow that left him unable to perform or even speak as he once did.
“My left lung has totally collapsed… 2022 nikapata TB ya throat nayo ikanimaliza sauti,” he shared in a candid 2023 post on X (formerly Twitter).
Though weakened physically, Maina remained mentally strong. He continued to speak openly about his health, using his platform to raise awareness about TB — a disease that remains a major health challenge in Kenya and beyond.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, it is possible to live with one lung, but the body’s ability to function normally depends on the remaining lung staying healthy. In Maina’s case, even basic activities like walking or speaking became difficult.
Still, he pushed on. In June 2023, he made a brief but emotional appearance on NRG Radio. His voice was faint, but fans flooded the station’s platforms with messages of love and support.
Rumours, Resilience and the Final Goodbye
Earlier in April 2025, false rumours of his death circulated on social media, prompting Maina to respond in disbelief.
“But why?” he wrote on Instagram, alongside screenshots of premature online tributes.
Despite his struggles, he remained active online, with his final post on X made just two days before his death.
On Friday morning, the news was confirmed. The man known for his fire, flow and faith had passed.
“MC Fullstop is a legend in my books,” wrote car dealer Khalif Kairo. “Went through high school listening to his mixes. Kwanza ile inaanzanga ‘Thika Thika Thika.’”
“Rest in peace MC Full Stop, the microphone maestro. We shall really miss you,” added ODM party’s communications director, Philip Etale.
A Legacy That Won’t Fade
Fullstop was not just a performer. He was a cultural figure — a bridge between generations, communities, and sounds.
He introduced thousands of young Kenyans to reggae music. He made people dance, laugh, and reflect. He brought fire to concerts and warmth to radios. And in the end, he showed the country what it means to face illness with courage.
Kenya has lost more than a hype man. It has lost a pioneer, a mentor, and a friend of the people.
His chant may no longer echo through speakers, but the impact of his voice will live on — in playlists, in memories, and in every beat that dares to start with “Thika! Thika! Thika!”
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