Kenya’s reggae and dancehall community is mourning the death of veteran hype man and entertainer John Maina, famously known as MC Fullstop, who has passed away after a long struggle with tuberculosis.

For years, MC Fullstop was the heartbeat of dancehall nights, a magnetic presence on stage whose voice could ignite any crowd.

His iconic chant “Thika! Thika! Thika!” became a national anthem on dance floors, opening many of his most memorable sets and electrifying fans across the country.

His unmatched energy made him one of the most recognisable hype men in Kenya’s entertainment scene.

MC Fullstop had in recent years shared openly about his declining health. In 2021, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with TB, which severely damaged his lungs.

His condition worsened in 2022 after he was diagnosed with TB of the throat—a rare form of the disease that affected his ability to speak, walk, and carry out daily tasks.

“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 said during an interview in 2023.

Despite his health struggles, MC Fullstop remained a beloved figure, known for his deep voice, strong stage presence, and loyal connection with fans.

His contribution to the music culture, especially through platforms like Riddim Base, helped shape the reggae and dancehall scene in Kenya. His legacy includes years of performances dating back to the 1990s, where he ruled events across the country and even beyond.

He was closely associated with the famed Supremacy Sounds DJ crew and worked with top names like DJ Juan and Tall Smash, collaborations that elevated reggae’s presence in Kenyan pop culture.

More than a master of ceremony, he became a cultural icon whose voice defined an entire genre for many listeners.

MC Fullstop’s passing has triggered a wave of sorrow, with tributes pouring in from musicians, DJs, fans, and media personalities.

His Instagram page, once filled with party clips and lively mixes, has now become a memorial space full of broken hearts, crying emojis, and heartfelt memories.

Media personality Maina Kageni was among the first to eulogise him, writing: “Unmistakable energy, why lie!!! Shine on your way MC Fullstop. Thank you for all the entertainment. Legend.”

DJ Crème Dela Crème said: “Rest In Power King FullStop, Thank you for blessing us with your Soul, Magic & Light. Fly High My G .. Fly High 🙏😭😭”

Tallia Oyando added: “🔔🔔🔔 There will NEVER be another like you ‘John Maina’ Rest In Power @mc_fullstop 💔💛💚 #NightNurse”

DJ Moh shared: “Jah Know Star…🙏🏾🙏🏾 One of The Best to Ever Do It…. Rest In Power JOHN MAINA”

Ekko Eydda said: “I know it will stop for us all someday but hii yako imenizidi manze. King wa bling, king on the mic @mc_fullstop rest”

Another fan wrote: “Today, reggae lost its heartbeat. No one held a mic like MC Fullstop. You made every ghetto youth believe they mattered.”

Many recalled nights in popular reggae joints where his voice guided the rhythm and set the pace. As the curtain falls on one of Kenya’s most electrifying voices, a heavy silence now settles over the reggae community.

But even in grief, his voice continues to echo in every dubplate, every riddim drop, and every fan who ever danced because he said so.