Gabiro questions why artistes receive more love after death following Tony Ndiema’s demise

Singer and TikToker Gabiro Mtu Necessary has called on Kenyans to change the way they support musicians, urging fans to celebrate and stand by artistes while they are still alive rather than waiting until they die.

Speaking in a TikTok video on Thursday, July 2, 2026, following the death of celebrated Ohangla musician Tony Ndiema, Gabiro questioned why many creatives receive overwhelming recognition only after their deaths despite struggling to secure support during their lifetimes.

According to the content creator, the same energy people use to flood social media with condolence messages should instead be directed towards supporting artistes through their music, concerts and other creative ventures while they are still alive.

“Please stop supporting artistes in death. The same energy you use to flood headlines with tributes after they are gone should be the same energy you use to celebrate them while they are still alive to receive the love, the support and the flowers,” he wrote.

Gabiro clarified that he was not trying to sound insensitive but believed it was time fans had an honest conversation about how they treat creatives.

“I don’t mean to sound harsh, but it’s a question worth asking. If you never shared their music, talked about their work, bought a ticket, streamed their songs or publicly appreciated their craft while they were alive, where does all that passion and energy suddenly come from after their demise?” he posed.

The TikToker argued that while emotional tributes may comfort grieving families, they do little to help artistes who spend years struggling to make ends meet while pursuing their passion.

He maintained that musicians need loyal audiences and consistent support far more than they need viral condolence messages after they have died.

“Artistes don’t need viral condolences nearly as much as they need loyal audiences,” he stated.

Gabiro further urged social media users not to let the first time they acknowledge an artiste be through a post announcing their death.

“Unless you are reporting the news as a journalist, don’t let the first time you acknowledge an artiste be the announcement of their death,” he added.

He then encouraged fans to give artistes their flowers while they are still alive and able to appreciate them.

“Give people their flowers while they can still smell them. The loudest tribute is not after death; it’s support during life,” he said.

Gabiro’s remarks come just days after the death of Tony Ndiema, whose passing left the Ohangla fraternity in mourning.

Before his death, Ndiema’s family had publicly appealed for financial support after revealing that the musician’s health had deteriorated significantly.

According to the family, Ndiema had lost the ability to walk and talk and had been transferred to Oasis Hospital in Kisii for specialised treatment after initially collapsing in Rongo.

Doctors had recommended additional medical procedures, including an MRI scan, but financial constraints delayed some of the treatment as the family struggled to raise funds.

You might also like

Celebrity

Tony Ndiema: 6 things to know about the late Ohangla musician

Celebrity

Mishi Mboko remembers Tony Ndiema as the Ohangla star who made women feel valued