RenownedKenyan gospel DJ Fredrick “DJ Krowbar” Karumba delivered a deeply emotional eulogy for his late wife Joyce Wanjiru Karumba during her memorial service at Nairobi Chapel along Ngong Road on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
The tribute, which captured the hearts of many Kenyans, revealed the depth of his grief, his enduring love for Joyce, and the heavy toll her loss has taken on him and their family
Her health struggles spanned several years, including a kidney transplant in mid-2025 and subsequent complications that eventually led to her untimely death.
A Grieving Husband and a Sleepless Night of Memories
At the memorial service, DJ Krowbar was visibly overwhelmed with emotion.
The grief-stricken husband confessed that he had spent the previous night going through old photos and videos of their life together, unable to sleep.
In tears, he recounted a particularly poignant memory from a video they had taken in Cape Town shortly after celebrating their wedding anniversary.
In that clip, Joyce was filming him as he worked on an assignment — a moment that showcased not just their partnership, but her unwavering support for his personal and spiritual growth.
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Despite a challenging year, Joyce had declared it “the best year we’ve ever had” and encouraged him to persevere, expressing confidence that his education would change lives.
DJ Krowbar later noted that his current role as a teacher was a fulfilment of that very encouragement.
With tears in his eyes, DJ Krowbar echoed a sentiment that has resonated widely:
“I’m going to miss this girl. Yesterday, I didn’t sleep… I was just going through all the photos and all the videos.”
Reassurance to His Children and a Message of Hope
While the pain of loss was palpable, DJ Krowbar also used the moment to speak directly to his children — Toria, Riri, and Imani — offering reassurance and strength.
He reminded them of what Joyce always said: “This is going to be our best year yet.”
Though uncertain about how that would come to pass, he declared his belief that even out of great pain can come fruitfulness and growth.
Family Tributes and Moments at the Burial
Joyce’s children also honoured their mother with moving tributes during the service, reflecting on her love, creativity, fairness, and unconditional care.
Eldest daughter Toria spoke of fashion, cooking, and the unique bond she shared with her mother, even describing Joyce as her “twin.”
Riri and Imani echoed similar sentiments, each highlighting different facets of their mother’s character that shaped their lives.
The following day, Thursday, February 5, Joyce was laid to rest in her beloved Naromoru, Nyeri County, in a burial filled with heartfelt tributes from family and friends.
During the service, DJ Krowbar broke down again as her casket was lowered into the ground, with his children at his side offering solace in his darkest moments.
A Legacy of Love and Faith
Throughout the ceremonies, friends, fans, and fellow artists — including gospel DJ DJ Mo — extended condolences and support, celebrating Joyce’s life and praying for the Krowbar family during this difficult season.
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