Today, Kaya 959 hosted a memorial for our colleague, beloved friend, and legend Mzwandile “DJ 1D” Nzimande, who passed away on Wednesday, to celebrate his life.
Friends and colleagues joined Kaya 959 in a special broadcast that streamed across the station’s digital platforms, to share their stories and wonderful memories of the incredible South African cultural icon.
As the resident DJ at Kaya 959 ten years he used the platform to share his infinite love for music with the Kaya 959 audience.
Speaking at the memorial Best T In The City, Thabo ‘Tbose’ Mokwele welcomed guests and expressed his condolences to the family and friends of DJ 1D, saying“I think there’s nothing as appropriate to say, like they normally say, nothing can stand in the way of one who’s idea and time has come…” Nothende also shared a few words about her fondest memories of DJ 1D saying “One thing I will always remember about him is his humility, he’ll definitely be missed, my condolences go out to the family, my condolences go out to Kaya 959, to all his friends and everyone that was close and dear to his heart.”
He was also the founder of Loxion Kulca a brand that was ahead of its time and reflected the streets and lifestyle of urban Africa. The brand was founded in 1999, an era which saw hip-hop culture in South Africa making a formidable presence.
Dj 1D once articulated that his vision for the brand was to create affordable and workable clothes that would reflect the multiple cultures found in the townships. His most recent project was SABC 1’s Evolution of Mzansi Street Culture, a 10-part, 24-minute documentary series.
The show epitomized his love for storytelling, giving the world a view of how street culture in South Africa has evolved over the years. Dj 1D will be missed by many for his unwavering passion for South African culture, his incredible knowledge of music, his willingness to always make time for a conversation, his larger than life character and his infectious smile.
Lala Ngoxolo Mzwandile “DJ 1D” Nzimande.
