Cape Town DJ and Hip-Hop legend Grand Master Ready D has bid farewell to Good Hope FM as host of The Good Vibes.
Real name Deon Daniels, took to his social media on Monday morning ahead of his final show sharing a heartfelt post announcing his departure after 16 years at the radio station.
DJ Ready D embraced the air waves alongside news and traffic presenter Erin Fox and producer DJ Eazy every Monday to Friday from 12pm to 3pm and when he is not on air, he is wrecking the decks at shows and clubs around the Cape as he has been doing for 40 years.
Speaking to the Cape Argus sister publication, the Daily Voice, Ready D described the departure as emotional. "The show became more than just a radio programme, it was a community, a movement and a voice for those often unheard on commercial platforms, said the Cape Town icon.
"Together with Eazy E and Erin Fox, we built a highly-interactive show that lived up to its name, bringing good energy, real conversations and authentic Cape Town culture to the airwaves."
The show became known for listeners' voice notes, where they shared nostalgic memories in Afrikaaps, often ending with, "I am a Cape Town original."
“My intention was not only to target a Coloured listener, it was all about using the platform and highlighting who we are as communities and to dig deep and celebrate the way we speak in our dialect,” he added.
Although stepping away from radio, Ready D said he would continue to his work in youth development through G-Cape (Great Cape Ambassadors Programme) and his DJ Academy, using music, mentorship, and education to uplift communities.
The Prophets of City member says: “I want to thank the listeners for being amazing through the years. I have definitely grown with our listeners. The show was a collective with the team and listeners and managed to learn so much from our listeners.”
Masi Mdingane, Good Hope FM and 5FM’s Business Manager says: “Around the time of our line-up announcement, another opportunity came across Ready’s path, which would further his ambitions as an independent artist and DJ, and also give him the chance to further expand his NPO and youth development passions.
"The logistics involved in this, however, meant that he wouldn’t be able to accommodate his Good Hope FM slots and couldn’t remain with the station.
"It is a great loss to Cape Town’s Original, because Ready is highly respected and widely loved, but we wish our iconic Grand Master DJ every success on this new and exciting journey.”
Cape Argus