D’Wayne Wiggins, one of the founders of Tony! Toni Toné, 64 years old, has died

According to reports, the well-known musician spent the previous year fighting bladder cancer.

At the age of 64, D’Wayne Wiggins, the original member of the legendary combo Tony! Toni! Toné!, passed away.

On Friday, March 7, the band shared the devastating news on Instagram. “We mourn the loss of our beloved D’Wayne, who died this morning in the company of family and loved ones.” 

Wiggins has been “privately and courageously battling bladder cancer” for the past year, according to the statement. “He stayed dedicated and present for his family, his music, his fans, and his community throughout this battle,” the family said.

His “music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California,” they said, describing his life as “incomparable.” The organization disclosed that he was “experiencing medical complications [and] working through it one day at a time” just one day prior to his passing.

Wiggins was born in Oakland on February 14, 1961. Raised in a musical household, he co-founded Tony! Toni! Toné! in the summer of 1986 with his brother Raphael Saadiq (né Charles Ray Wiggins) and their relative Timothy Christian Riley. Together, they gave fans classic No. 1 songs including “Whatever You Want,” “Feels Good,” and “It Never Rains (In Southern California).” 

In addition to the ensemble, Wiggins founded Grass Roots Entertainment in his “House of Music” recording facility in West Oakland. Prior to Keyshia Cole signing with A&M Records, he coached her for a number of years and collaborated with Destiny’s Child. In 2000, he collaborated with Motown to create Eyes Never Lie, his solo debut. 

Along with Alicia Keys for “Diary” and “If I Was Your Woman,” Wiggins collaborated with Too $hort, The Coup, and other pioneers of Oakland’s “Hyphy” wave.

Tony! Toné! Toni! Together, they sold over six million records, and they recently got back together for the Just Me & You tour in 2023. “For the time being, we ask that you continue to respect our privacy,” the family asked. We share your grief and are incredibly appreciative of your love and assistance. 

ZoneYetu offers its sincerest sympathies to everyone impacted by this loss.