The former Radio 3 favourite died at a hospital in London on Monday after battling three strokes and a heart operation, friends said.
Childhood friend DJ King Jay said Johns, known by the nickname ‘The Radio Driver’, “had been ill for sometime following a triple heart bypass several years ago.”
“He was arguably Zimbabwe’s finest DJ,” King Jay said on Twitter.In December last year, Johns’ eldest son Mark opened up about his father’s health troubles, revealing that he had suffered three strokes and a heart attack.
Mark spoke after Johns was admitted to a hospital in South London.
“Although he is in a stable condition, he has lost the ability to speak and write,” Mark said at the time.
Friends say he never recovered, drawing the curtain on the life of “one of Zimbabwe’s greatest presenters ever,” according to broadcaster Steve Vickers who joined an outpouring of tributes on Twitter.
Johns was “suave, gifted and brilliant,” added journalist Brezhnev Malaba.
“PJ Your DJ on Radio 3 was pure bliss,” journalist Nqaba Matshazi tweeted. “I remember the Top 20 countdown which culminated in the Top 100 on New Year’s Day. Don’t get me started on the monthly shows at Visions (Bulawayo nightclub). You have run your race Peter Johns, thanks for providing the soundtracks to our adolescence. RIP legend!”
In 1981, after the launch of Radio 3, now Power FM, John Matinde who was the manager responsible for recruitment at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation gave Johns his first break – a part-time slot every Sunday evening.
Johns would go on to have a stellar career – over 20 memorable years on the club scene and as a radio DJ until he left the ZBC in 2002. In that time, PJ had built a cult following with his shows, Weekend Love and Monday Mellow Madness.
The DJ enjoyed weekend residency at a popular Harare nightclub, Scamps, and had a mobile disco business which kept his diary full. “He was very passionate about his career as a DJ, and took a professional attitude to it,” according to music researcher Fred Zindi.
PJ interviewed Shaba Ranks during his visit to Zimbabwe in the 1990s and also landed several other big sit-downs with international stars including Maxi Priest, King Sounds and Jimmy Cliff.
The introduction of satellite television brought another break for PJ — TV broadcasting. Sponsored programmes, such as music video show Coca-Cola on the Beat, brightened his star further.
PJ turned his back on Zimbabwe in 2002, apparently despondent over restructuring at the ZBC. He left for England where he studied digital broadcasting and packaging. He also worked for two internet radio station, while continuing taking bookings for gigs from the growing Zimbabwean community.
PJ suffered a series of medical misfortunes, starting in 2009 when, according to Zindi, he had a heart operation.
On a visit to London, Zindi recalls Johns showing him scars on his chest from the operation.
“The sight really frightened me,” Zindi said.
He would suffer a series of strokes and undergo more heart procedures in the years that followed, making rare public appearances to fulfil bookings.
“In the last four or five months, he completely disappeared from the entertainment scene,” said DJ Welly T, who has performed alongside Johns in the UK. “The last time we performed together he looked okay, but you could tell he was unwell. That was PJ, showbusiness was his calling and he always strove to honour a fixture with his fans.”
Info News
Best Online College Programs for Working Adults
The best online college programs for working adults are built for flexibility, affordability, and career advancement. If you are balancing a job, family, or other commitments, the right program should fit your schedule without forcing you to pause your life.
Online education has changed dramatically over the last few years. Many accredited universities now offer fully online degrees, accelerated classes, and part-time schedules that make it easier for adults to finish school. That means you can often study at night, on weekends, or whenever your schedule allows.
When choosing a program, accreditation should be your first concern. An accredited school is more likely to be respected by employers and other institutions, and it can affect whether your credits transfer later. You should also check whether the program is regionally accredited, since that is generally considered the strongest standard.
Next, think about your goals. If you want a faster path to a better job, programs in business, healthcare, information technology, and education are often popular choices. If you already have work experience, some schools also offer credit for prior learning, which can shorten the time it takes to graduate.
Cost is another major factor. Tuition can vary significantly depending on the school, residency rules, and whether the program charges by credit hour or by term. Working adults should also look into employer tuition assistance, scholarships, grants, and military benefits if they apply.
Support services matter too. A good online program should offer academic advising, career counseling, tutoring, and technical support. These services can make a big difference when you are trying to stay on track while managing a busy life.
Before enrolling, compare course formats as well. Some programs are fully self-paced, while others require live virtual classes at specific times. Self-paced learning may be ideal if your schedule changes often, but live sessions can provide more structure and accountability.
The best online college is the one that aligns with your career goals, budget, and personal schedule. If you choose carefully, an online degree can be a practical investment that helps you move forward without stepping away from work.
Credit Repair Services: How to Improve Your Credit Score Fast and Unlock Better Financial Opportunities
Introduction: Why Your Credit Score Matters
Your credit score plays a major role in your financial life. Whether applying for loans, mortgages, or credit cards, lenders use your score to determine risk. Searching for “credit repair services” or “how to improve credit score fast” shows strong intent from users looking to fix financial issues.
What Impacts Your Credit Score
Key factors include:
- Payment history
- Credit utilization
- Length of credit history
- Types of credit
- New credit inquiries
Understanding these factors helps you take control of your financial future.
Steps to Improve Your Credit Score
- Pay bills on time
- Reduce outstanding debt
- Check credit reports for errors
- Avoid unnecessary credit inquiries
Consistency is key when improving your score.
Should You Use Credit Repair Services?
Professional services can help dispute errors and provide guidance. However, individuals can also improve their credit independently with discipline and knowledge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Closing old accounts
- Ignoring credit reports
- Taking on unnecessary debt
FAQ
How long does it take to improve credit?
Typically 3–6 months for noticeable improvements.
Financial Planning Insight
Keywords like “best credit repair companies” attract high CPC traffic because users are actively seeking solutions.
Important Information
Consult a financial expert for personalized advice.
