Kenyan reggae icon MC Fullstop, born John Maina, passed away on August 1, 2025, after a prolonged battle with tuberculosis (TB) that severely impacted his lungs, leaving the East African music scene in mourning.
The 44-year-old hype man, celebrated for his electrifying performances and pivotal role in popularising reggae and dancehall in Kenya since the 1990s, succumbed to the illness that collapsed his left lung and later affected his throat.
Fans and fellow artists, including Deejay Juan and Shaffie Weru, have flooded social media with tributes, remembering his raw energy and cultural contributions.
MC Fullstop’s career began at age 14, when he captivated audiences with his raspy, commanding voice, earning the moniker “The Talking Master”. Rising from Nairobi’s underground clubs to mainstream platforms like K24 TV’s Riddim Vybz and NRG Radio’s Reggae Boyz, he became a household name, hyping reggae shows that were recorded on CDs and broadcast nationwide.
His charisma and unrelenting passion made him a crowd favourite, with his voice defining weekend vibes across neighbourhoods like Githurai and Kayole. By the 2000s, alongside DJs like Deejay Smash, he helped elevate Kenya’s reggae-dancehall wave to new heights, influencing a generation of MCs and mixmasters.
Maina’s health struggles became public in 2021 when he revealed a TB diagnosis that led to the collapse of his left lung, severely limiting his ability to perform.
In 2022, a secondary diagnosis of throat TB further impaired his voice, making speaking, walking, and running challenging. “My left lung has totally collapsed, nimebaki na moja,” he shared in a 2023 Instagram post, explaining how the irreversible damage forced him to consider retiring from his beloved career.
Despite undergoing rigorous medication and therapy, including a move to Mombasa for its favourable climate, his condition deteriorated, leading to multiple hospital stays. A 2021 fundraiser by betting firm Odibets covered his medical bills, but the industry’s unforgiving nature left him struggling as gigs dried up.
“Kenyans just killed me! Hivyo tu!” he posted. The incident, clarified by Deejay Smash, highlighted Maina’s resilience as he continued engaging fans on social media, with his final post on July 30, 2025, reflecting hope despite his frail health.
The reggae community has rallied in grief, with tributes emphasising Maina’s mentorship and infectious spirit. “Rest in peace, MC Fullstop. Ulikuwa role model and my best MC ever,” wrote a fan on Twitter, echoing sentiments shared across platforms .
Deejay Juan confirmed his passing to TUKO.co.ke, noting Maina’s hospital stay before his death, though family details remain private. Colleagues like Dan Aceda and Fadhili Kanini praised his contributions, recalling how schoolchildren once sent recovery wishes that deeply touched him.
Maina’s legacy extends beyond music, reflecting the struggles of artists in an industry that often overlooks its pioneers. His battle with TB, a curable yet stigmatised disease, underscores healthcare access challenges, with a 2023 Journal of African Cultural Studies report noting TB’s high prevalence in urban Kenya.
Fans argue his story highlights the need for better support for entertainers facing health crises. A 2025 Pulselive Kenya report celebrated his brief radio comeback in June 2023, where, despite a hoarse voice, he defied naysayers, proving his indomitable spirit.
As Kenya’s reggae scene mourns, Maina’s influence endures through the MCs he inspired, like Jahmby Koikai and MC Gogo. His raw, unfiltered voice, free of autotune, remains a symbol of authenticity.
