DJs, producers and hip-hop heads around the city and beyond are mourning the loss of DJ Son of S.O.U.L., aka Masimba Kadzirange, who passed away in his sleep on Monday, August 31. He was 44.
Artist manager and Stylus Awards co-founder David “Click” Cox confirmed the news on Facebook and Instagram posts the next day.
“He was a very talented DJ who has been in the mix in the Toronto music scene for a very long time. He is also pretty much the nicest, warm-spirited, kind, loving and super-cool kat around,” he wrote on Facebook. “Hands down one of Toronto’s best DJs because of his skills, but also his wealth of knowledge when it came to music. Dude was funky with it!”
Producers Rich Kidd and Frank Dukes and DJs such as P-Plus, Big Jacks and Total Eclipse of New York-based turntablist group the X-Ecutioners were among those who paid tribute on social media.
“‘Genuine’ is the word that best describes who Sims was,” Total Eclipse wrote in an Instagram post. “We met during a time when Roc Raida first invited me to showcase side by side at the Toronto DMC circa 95 during my late teens. I remember talking on the phone for hours about records and trading off scratches & BeatJuggles.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Kadzirange’s mother and family with funeral costs. As of press time, it had raised nearly $17,500 of its $20,000 goal. A memorial Facebook page has details about the funeral, set for September 19 at 11 am at Pine Hills Cemetery (625 Birchmount).
website@nowtoronto.com | @nowtoronto
