Tribute to DJ Peter Jones
IN a rare show of leadership that left radio listeners at a level radio has never heard before, ZiFM,
StarFM and Power FM on May 2, 2020 between 1400hrs and 1500hrs all came together and synchronised their airplay to churn out a whole hour of a show dedicated to a radio legend, Peter Jones who passed on recently in the United Kingdom.
Great appreciation goes to the leadership of Susan Makore, CEO, AB Communications ( ZiFM),
Helliate Rushwaya, acting CEO, ZBC (PowerFM) and Pikirai Deketeke, CEO ZimPapers (StarFM) who provided the opportunity for these three national radio stations to come together and dedicate a synchronised show in honour of Peter Jones the “Radio Driver” who rocked the airwaves in the 80s, the 90s and thereafter.
It is reported that Peter passed on at a London Hospital after succumbing to multiple cardiac failure.
In recognition of the sterling work done to the entertainment world by PJ as he was affectionately known by his legion of followers, Comfort Mbofana (StarFM), Benson Mbewe (ZiFM) and Robson Mhandu (Power FM) the three head of radio services of our national radio stations set aside their business rivalry and came together to give a befitting send-off to a gallant radio disc jockey.
Between 1400hrs and 1420hrs StarFM dedicated 20 minutes of the show to Peter Jones. If one tuned in to ZiFM they would hear the StarFM show and the same applied to PowerFM, if one tuned in to PowerFM they would hear the StarFM show. 1420hrs to 1440hrs it was ZiFM time and the same principle of access applied. 1440hrs to 1500hrs
PowerFM shut down the show being accessible on the other two stations. This was a first in radio and it brings with it excellent leadership from the three radio stations.
The rare show of unity at a time when the nation is gasping for fresh air literally in these coronavirus times and metaphorically in these economically challenging times brought a deep sense of reality that when faced with a common challenge, Zimbabweans are capable of rising above petty rivalry and turn the challenge into an opportunity. The smallness of our differences is far outweighed by the greatness of our unity.
As we continue to celebrate the life of Peter Jones while playing back the music he introduced to us, we must remember forever that each one of us has a way of having a touch in our personal lives. If invited, confessions may come galore of marriages consummated and relationships rekindled through music so churned out by a radio driver who mesmerised his listeners all the time he was on the turntable.
The rare show of leadership by the radio station leaders must remain a challenge to some of us who have answered the call of leadership on the political front, that as the nation faces challenges, it is only unity as shown by these CEOs and station managers that can pull us through together as a nation.
To the current radio presenters, the challenge is upon you to surpass the great works of Peter. You now have technology on your side which PJ did not have but we are told he literally had to bring in hard copy vinyl discs from Europe and the United States at his personal cost in order to please his fans.
As Zimbabwe braces to open more airwaves and allow for establishment of more radio stations, we all hope that this will bring about opportunities for other potential DJs out there to showcase their talent and turn this industry into a lucrative business like in most countries regionally and Internationally.
May the great work of Peter Jones be remembered forever. May the unity in the media Industry be established at all times.