Listen back to DJ Peter Johns Official Tribute Hour

In an extraordinary moment rarely seen in Zimbabwean broadcasting history, three of the nation's leading radio stations — Star FM, ZiFM Stereo, and Power FM — set aside competition to pay a unified tribute to the legendary DJ Peter Johns following his death in 2020.

Listeners across the country were stunned and moved as the familiar battle for ratings gave way to a shared spirit of mourning and celebration. For one day, the airwaves belonged not to corporate brands, but to the enduring memory of a man who had shaped them all.

Peter Johns, affectionately known as "The Radio Driver," was a towering figure in Zimbabwean radio, captivating audiences from the late 1980s through the early 2000s with his unmatched energy, rich voice, and gift for blending music and storytelling. His signature shows on Radio 3 (now Power FM), such as PJ Party and Weekend Special, defined an era and inspired a generation of DJs and broadcasters.

Making the tribute happen was no small feat. Synchronizing three competing stations was a complex challenge requiring swift coordination, technical ingenuity, and immense goodwill. Behind the scenes, industry stalwarts like Leander Kandiero, John Matinde and more were instrumental in driving the effort forward, ensuring that despite tight timelines and technical hurdles, the tribute was ready in record time. Their dedication spoke volumes about the depth of respect Peter Johns commanded across the entire broadcasting community.

Following his passing in the United Kingdom after a long illness, the three stations took the unprecedented step of synchronizing their programming to honor him. Special segments featured clips of Peter Johns' iconic broadcasts, emotional tributes from listeners, and heartfelt reflections from fellow DJs who had once viewed each other as competitors but who now shared a common bond forged by his influence.

At 8:00 PM, the three stations paused simultaneously to air a joint statement:

"Peter Johns was an inspiration to everyone on Zimbabwean radio and a legend to everyone who heard him. To honor his memory, for the first time ever, the three national urban radio stations – Power FM, Star FM, and ZiFM Stereo – will unite for an epic one-hour simulcast tribute to the legendary Radio Driver."

For many listeners, it was a cathartic and historic moment — a rare glimpse into the deeper unity within Zimbabwe's broadcasting community. In a country where competition often defines the media landscape, Peter Johns' passing reminded everyone that behind the call signs and branding, there exists a shared lineage, a shared love for the craft he so masterfully embodied.

Long after the tributes ended, callers continued to flood phone lines and social media with memories, gratitude, and a collective sense of loss.