The untimely death of popular Kenyan gospel artist Papa Dennis has left many wondering what led to his death.
According to various reports, Papa Dennis who was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and collaborations with top artists in both the secular and gospel music industry allegedly committed suicide.
Papa Dennis whose real name was Dennis Mwangi was found dead on Friday night (07.02.2020) in Pangani. The singer reportedly jumped from one of the top floors of the building where his recording studio was.
There have been rumours that Papa Dennis committed suicide due to depression and that he was no longer living large.
According to a report by Kenyans.co.ke BBC journalist Roncliffe Odit that the musician, contrary to many people’s belief, was broke.
“I was among the first presenters to play his songs when I was working in QFM, he was also a personal friend and I knew him when he was first signed by Maliza Umaskini.
“He was very humbled and talented. Sadly, just like any other musician, he never invested the cash. He lived large and when he finally parted ways with Maliza Umaskini, he had nothing,” Roncliff Odit stated.
“Life became very hard. The society out here thinks he is loaded while in the real sense, he had nothing. He was struggling,” he added.
Maliza Umaskini founder Sadat Muhindi has issued a statement following the tragic death of award-winning gospel artiste Papa Dennis.
Muhindi eulogized Papa Dennis as a highly talented artiste who achieved a lot in his music career since he was signed to the record label seven years ago.
“Papa Dennis was officially signed by the Maliza Umasikini record label between 2013 and March 2019. During this period Papa Dennis achieved the unthinkable in the gospel music industry,” Muhindi said.
Papa Dennis hailed from Matunda in Kakamega and had to start hustling for his family at a young age when his mother died. He is survived by his twin brother Simon and three other siblings.
