RONALD Chiwanza was first introduced to the music of James D-Train Williams in his teen years.
JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA
The man who introduced him was none other than Nhamo Tutisani, who these days is better known as the tycoon co-owner of CAPS United, one of Zimbabwe’s biggest football clubs.
DJ Sweet T, as they called Tutisani back in the days, was a music enthusiast who rocked some of Harare’s best known night spots those days.
His protégé, the young Ronald, later assumed the moniker of James Williams, courtesy of his mentor Tutisani.
And now after 18 years, D-Train Chiwanza has put down the mic at Classic 263, leaving behind fond memories among his legion of adoring fans.
It is never easy to say goodbye, but D-Train now heads to the United Kingdom to join the rest of his family.
D-Train, who is turning 53 on 3 October 2023, is a father of three boys.
Reminiscing on the good old days on radio, D-Train cherishes the moment he joined 3FM (now Power FM) in 1995 as a radio producer.
“I started out as a still radio producer for Witness ‘Chuman’ Matema Show Club 95 on 3FM in 1995,” he said.
“Then I was recommended to take up a shift on Saturday morning guest slot by then station manager Innocent Manase in 2003 when they moved to Gweru,” D-Train explained.
“It was exciting, especially the 2003 era when the 75% local content drive was introduced.
“Working with the pioneer urban grooves generation like Extra Large, Maskiri, Ngoni Kambarami, Major E, Booker T, Shame and Nathan, was interesting because these guys have evolved to be stars in their own rights.”
D-Train had been presenting and producing for his shows on Classic263 since 2005 when it was still SFM.
“I presented basically every shift but notable ones are the Monday Night Magic Moments, Saturday Breakfast Show, TGIF Drive Time, Old-Skool Saturdays, Classic Sunday Listening, The Sunday Soccer Show and Classic Sports,” he said.
But while he is moving to greener pastures, D-Train says he will miss his fans the most.
“I will miss the Classic 263 listeners’ warmth, knowledge of music and support.”
While he had a huge following on radio, at one time D-Train was part of the nomadic group, Huggiez Entertainment – with the likes of Kudzi “Mr Kool” Marudza, Witness Matema and DJ Flabba.
As Huggiez Entertainment, they would move from one club to the next, playing Old-Skool music which at the time drew scores.
Old-Skool music became the in-thing after radio stations changed from 75% local content to 100% around 2000.
A good number of music lovers, particularly the older generation, felt the “urban grooves” sound was half-baked and, in most cases lacked depth.
So there was huge demand for Old-Skool music which Huggiez Entertainment effortlessly delivered.
