By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Zimbabwe’s club scene has lost a true icon. Jim Fraser, the legendary DJ known to fans and fellow artists as The Soul Spinner, has passed away—leaving behind a legacy that shaped an entire generation of music lovers.
If you partied in the 80s and 90s, chances are you danced to one of his sets. Jim didn’t just play music—he curated experiences. With crates full of the latest soul records and a vibe that turned every venue into a groove temple, The Soul Spinner ruled the nightlife from Harare to Bulawayo. His name became synonymous with smooth transitions, silky vocals, and unforgettable nights on the dancefloor.
It wasn’t just his music that left a mark — it was his swagger, his style, and the way he mentored upcoming DJs, including his younger cousin and now-celebrated spinner, Otis “The Flow” Fraser.
Paying tribute on Facebook, Otis shared a touching memory:
“I remember walking around our neighborhood, Sunningdale, with Jim. I was the younger cousin, always admiring his style as I carried his record bag from the house to the club. He truly was the undisputed king of Soul DJing.
“One morning, he asked me a question that ended up changing my life. He said, ‘Otis, what do you want to be — a dancer like Bobby Brown or a DJ like me?’ And well, the rest is history. Rest easy, Big Bro.”
The tributes didn’t stop there. Fellow music pioneer and Classic263 personality Kennedy “Kaycee The Gigmaster” Masawi wrote:
“Sincere condolences bro! So sorry for the loss! Rest in peace, big bro Soul Spinner!!”
And broadcasting veteran Tich Mataz, himself no stranger to the decks, added simply:
“One of the G.O.A.T.s gone too soon.”
In a world where trends come and go, Jim Fraser’s soul selections never faded. He introduced Zimbabwean ears to classics they still play today and inspired a wave of DJs who continue to carry the flame.
So here’s to The Soul Spinner — the man who brought soul to the streets, rhythm to the radios, and magic to the midnight hour.
Rest in power, legend. The turntables may be silent, but your music lives on.
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