On September 1st, 2015, Toronto lost a giant of its music scene with the passing of Masimba Kadzirange aka DJ Son Of S.O.U.L.
Perhaps the only thing bigger than Masimba’s heart was his knowledge of music. A highly skilled and intelligent DJ, you weren’t only getting a great party when he was behind the decks but you were getting a lesson on music history in the process.
After a huge outpouring from the Toronto community at large, Supermarket in Kensington Market played host on September 24th, 2015 to a sendoff to be remembered by filling the venue to capacity (and spilling out on to the streets!) not only with the crowd but with love from each and every person in attendance showing their respects to the Grandmaster Of S.O.U.L himself.
Jermaine Brown, one of the many DJ’s from the night remarked, “Anything you have a passion in, and you show that you 100% enjoy what you’re doing and you love music as much as (Masimba) did, that just kinda spreads…â€. You could certainly hear the influence all night long from the long list of talented DJ’s all playing from vinyl only for the entire night.
Jason Henry aka DJ Sessions from iLIVE radio who was live streaming the entire night said, “I think (Masimba’s) effect on the community could never really be measured in terms of the amount of love he showed and that the city is showing him right now. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it in my lifeâ€.
Certainly a one of a kind event in Toronto history, it was only fitting that Masimba’s mother was in attendance to witness the love manifested in music. She was clearly moved by the support from the community for her beloved son who will be dearly missed.
On a personal note, I am honoured to have taken what ended up being the legacy photo for Masimba which was even included on his funeral program and also turned into a memorial t-shirt by Mark Stoddart from Live It Wear It. I am humbled to have captured a single moment of a friend that has ultimately summed up what Masimba was all about…
LOVE.
We’ll miss you breddah. Gone but never forgotten.
– Bryan LaPointe aka DJ Veteran