Reggae fans across East Africa are mourning the death of Kenyan reggae legend MC Fullstop, real name John Maina, who died on August 1, 2025, after a long and painful battle with tuberculosis (TB).
MC Fullstop was known for his deep voice, high energy, and unique reggae style. For many years, he was one of the most loved MCs and hypemen in Kenya’s reggae and dancehall scene. His famous chant “Thika! Thika! Thika!” made crowds go wild in clubs and on radio shows.
MC Fullstop started his music journey in the early 1990s in Nairobi, when he was just 14 years old. He grew up in tough neighborhoods like Githurai, Kayole, and Kibra, but his talent took him far. By the 2000s and 2010s, he had become a big name in Kenyan reggae.
He worked with top radio and TV stations like Kiss FM, Citizen TV, K24, and NRG Radio, where he helped bring reggae into Kenyan homes and hearts. He also performed with top DJs like Tall DJ Smash and DJ Juan, making him a star across Nairobi and beyond.
In 2021, MC Fullstop’s health started to fail. He was diagnosed with lung TB, which caused his left lung to collapse. Things got worse in 2022 when he got throat TB, which badly affected his voice.
In 2023, he told fans:
“My left lung has totally collapsed. I only have one working lung. TB of the throat also destroyed my voice. Even talking, walking, or breathing is now a big problem.”
Doctors said he could live with one lung, but only if it stayed healthy. Sadly, he was already too weak.
In April 2025, fake news spread online claiming MC Fullstop had died. He went on social media and denied the rumors, posting:
“But why?”
He shared screenshots of fans who were already posting rest-in-peace messages, even though he was still alive at the time.
Even though he was very sick, MC Fullstop made a short return to radio in June 2023 at NRG Radio, where fans were happy just to hear his voice — even though it was much weaker than before.
He kept engaging with his fans online and made his last post on July 30, 2025. He died two days later, on August 1.
Many Kenyans, including celebrities and politicians, have paid tribute to the fallen legend:
- Maina Kageni, radio host:
- “We mourn the loss of a true Kenyan legend today. MC Fullstop.”
- Azeezah Hashim, media personality:
- “R.I.P to the greatest MC Kenya has ever seen.”
- Khalif Kairo, businessman:
- “I grew up listening to his mixes, especially the one that began with ‘Thika Thika Thika.’”
- Phillip Etale, ODM Party:
- “RIP MC Fullstop, the microphone maestro. We shall miss you.”
Even though he is gone, MC Fullstop’s voice, his chants, and his impact on reggae music will always be remembered. He was not just an MC — he was a voice for the ghetto, a symbol of strength, and a king of reggae in Kenya.
