Kenyans Pay Tribute to MC FullStop Following Death After Battle with TB

Reggae fans in Kenya are mourning following the death of celebrated reggae MC and hypeman, John Maina, popularly known as “MC Fullstop”, who passed away on August 1, 2025, after a long and difficult battle with tuberculosis.

MC Fullstop was a renowned Kenyan reggae MC and hypeman whose voice became synonymous with the genre during its peak popularity in the country.

Known for his raw energy, distinctive vocal style, and crowd engagement, he played a pivotal role in popularising reggae and dancehall music across Kenyan clubs, media stations, and live events.

Born and raised in Nairobi, Maina began his journey in the early 1990s at just 14 years old. From curious teen to ghetto superstar, he was quickly embraced by reggae lovers across the city — from Githurai to Kibra, Rongai to Kayole. His name, MC Fullstop, captured his signature energy — when he grabbed the mic, the session stopped for no one else.

How MC Fullstop rose to become a renowned MC

In the 2000s and 2010s, MC Fullstop became a household name in Kenya’s reggae and dancehall scene. He brought energy to stages, clubs, and airwaves, working with media outlets such as Kiss FM, Citizen TV, K24, and NRG Radio.

K24’s Riddim Vybez Show stood out as one of Kenya’s most beloved reggae programs, captivating audiences with its authentic vibe and high-energy performances.

Often performing alongside DJs like Tall DJ Smash and DJ Juan, Maina’s patois-laced freestyles and charismatic stage presence played a key role in pushing reggae and dancehall into the Kenyan mainstream, attracting a new generation of fans to the genre.

His iconic chant, “Thika! Thika! Thika!” was a signature opening to most of his popular mixes and became an anthem across the country’s dance floors.

But in 2021, his life took a different turn. MC Fullstop was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the lungs, which later led to the complete collapse of his left lung. Still, he pushed through. Then in 2022, another devastating blow followed — throat TB, which robbed him of the very tool that had built his legacy- his voice.

“My left lung has totally collapsed, nimebaki na moja. In 2021 I was diagnosed with TB ya lungs ikasosi lungs kabisa. 2022 nikapata TB ya throat nayo ikanimaliza sauti, running, walking, kuongea ni shida,” he revealed in a 2023 post on X (formerly Twitter).

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A collapsed lung happens when air leaks out of the lung and collects in the space between the lung and the chest wall, according to Penn Medicine. This trapped air puts pressure on the lung, preventing it from fully expanding during breathing.

On its part, Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that most people can live with just one lung if necessary. One healthy lung is usually enough to supply the body with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide—unless it too is damaged.

In situations where one lung stops functioning, doctors may remove the damaged lung. In some cases, a lung transplant may be possible if a suitable donor is available.

Even in pain, he remained transparent and hopeful. He explained how his daily life had changed dramatically — walking, talking, even breathing had become monumental tasks.

“Alafu lungs zina lungs ufala unlike Liver, haiwezi ji heal itabidi nijipange hapa naona niki hang boots. I just wanna say thanks kwa wale wamekuwa wakini support in these difficult moments. God awa bless tu sana,” he added.

Multiple viral rumours claiming he has died

Despite rumours of his death circulating earlier in April 2025, Fullstop came forward to dismiss the misinformation, expressing his shock and frustration in an Instagram post.

“But why?” he captioned a post containing screenshots of fans prematurely mourning him online. The false claims had first emerged on Facebook and spread rapidly to TikTok, causing confusion among his followers, especially since he had remained quietly active online.

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Though frail and no longer performing, he made a heartfelt return to radio in June 2023, appearing live on NRG Radio. His voice was thin— a far cry from the booming hype man fans had grown up with — but his presence alone moved many to tears.

Even as bookings dried up and the stage lights dimmed, he never gave up. He became a symbol of strength, resilience, and humility in an industry that often forgets its wounded icons.

Associated with the famed Supremacy Sounds DJ crew, MC Fullstop remained active on social media up to July 30, 2025, still engaging his fans on X. 

On August 1, 2025, Kenya lost more than a reggae MC. It lost a voice, a pioneer, a friend of the people — whose chants once echoed through the city’s sound systems, and whose legacy now lives in the hearts of fans from every corner of the country.

Tributes have begun pouring in from fans, fellow artists, and broadcasters, all honouring the man whose voice became the soundtrack of their youth and weekends.

“We mourn the loss of a true Kenyan legend today. Mc Fullstop,” said radio presenter Maina Kageni.

“R.I.P to the greatest MC Kenya has ever seen,” said media personality and MC Azeezah Hashim.

City car dealer Khalif Kairo on his part said, “Mc Fullstop is a legend in my books, went through highschool listening to his mixes. Kwanza ile inaanzanga “Thika Thika Thika” Rest in peace John Maina and shine on your own way.”

“RIP MC Full Stop, the microphone maestro. We shall really miss you,” said ODM Party Communications Director Phillip Etale.

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