Kenyan Reggae MC Fullstop Passes Away Following Prolonged TB Struggle
John Maina, also known by his stage as MC Fullstop, died on August 1, 2025, and the reggae community in Kenya is in sorrow.
MC Fullstop was a well-liked member of the nation’s reggae scene, renowned for his contagious enthusiasm and dominant presence behind the mic. He quickly established himself as a mainstay at radio shows, live events, and matatu mixes all around the nation.
For a number of years, MC Fullstop had been fighting tuberculosis (TB). He was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2021, which ultimately caused his left lung to collapse. The illness progressed to his throat in 2022, impairing his voice and making it hard for him to walk or speak.
He candidly discussed the severity of his health in one of his last social media posts, stating that he was only surviving on one lung after his left lung “totally collapsed.” He described how there is minimal chance of recovery because the lungs do not regenerate like the liver does. In a devastating epiphany, he seemed to hint at his own demise by expressing gratitude to followers for their support during his darkest hours and speculating that he would have to “hang boots.”
After relocating to Mombasa in the hopes that the warmer temperature would speed up his recuperation, MC Fullstop continued to be active despite numerous hospital stays, even making sporadic radio appearances.
False death rumors about MC Fullstop have also before gone viral on the internet. In a public statement, he addressed these hoaxes and called on authorities to stop the dissemination of false material, which he said had a severe negative impact on his health and his family.
His passing has created a huge hole in the reggae scene in Kenya, and fans and other performers, such as radio host Maina Kageni and longtime partner DJ Juan and DJ Moh, have been paying their respects.
