Samidoh pays emotional tribute to John DeMathew 6 years after his death
Mugithi star and serving police officer Samuel Muchoki, widely known as Samidoh, has paid a moving tribute to the Kikuyu Benga musician John Ng’ang’a, popularly known as John DeMathew, six years after his untimely death.
Taking to his official Facebook account, on Monday, August 18, 2025, Samidoh said that his voice and spirit still live in their hearts six years down the line.
You might also like
Additionally, Samidoh described DeMathew as a legend whose music will never fade.
During a live show on Sunday night, August 17, 2025, Samidoh and fellow musicians dedicated an entire hour to honouring DeMathew’s memory and celebrating the lasting impact he left on Mugithi music and Kikuyu culture.
“6 years since we lost you, but your voice and spirit still live on in our hearts. Last night during our show, we took an hour to honour your memory and celebrate the legacy you left behind for Mugithi and our culture. Continue resting in peace, legend, John DeMathew, your music will never fade,” Samidoh wrote.
DeMathew’s death
The Kikuyu Benga musician met his untimely death through a fatal accident at a black spot near Blue Post Hotel, along Thika Road, on Sunday night, August 18, 2019.
He was pronounced dead on arrival at Thika Nursing Home. died in a road crash on Sunday night, August 18, 2019. DeMathew was buried in Gatanga, Murang’a County, on Saturday, August 24, 2019.
Music career
Speaking during an interview with Kameme TV on July 5, 2019, DeMathew said even his own parents didn’t immediately appreciate his love for music.
“I composed my first song called Rekereria Wendo (Let Love Reign) while in Standard Seven. But my parents didn’t readily accept I had a talent in music. At some point, my father threatened to chase me away from home,” he said, adding he almost gave up on music after his first song, Jenifer, failed to take off as he had expected.
He said: “But I didn’t give up. I went to a producer called Wamaitu Productions who produced my second song called Peris Nduku, which propelled me to great popularity. I can’t say I am the biggest amongst others or I see things others cannot, but God brings to me such things and I pursue them.”
DeMathew’s vision was to make a change in society. He said his aim was to share his vision for a better life with other people and help the less privileged.
“Young people should never give up on anything; we will always be there to help them,” he said.
