His multi-award-winning career landed him at Hot FM, the final chapter of his stint on air.
There are thousands of kind words that can be said about Darren Scott. He was a friend to many, a smoke break partner of note, and a broadcaster like few others. He was also a doting dad and, with his charity One Wingz of Change, impacted lives well beyond his immediate and extended circle.
Darren Scott, who passed away at 61 after battling stage 4 melanoma cancer for decades, will be sorely missed on the airwaves by friends and colleagues. Sometimes, just knowing that he’s on the other end of a WhatsApp message meant a lot to many.
Michael Catterson, a former colleague of Scott’s, was shocked at the news. “It is a sad day, a mentor in the industry and an icon for South Africa has left us. A true inspiration, always willing to listen and give advice,” he said.
“Ahh, Darren Scott, you will be missed! The last time we spoke, you were giving me advice on cancer and how to look out for it and today, that dreadful disease has taken you. Our deepest condolences go out to your family and the two amazing little boys you lived for. RIP.”
Scott was a true inspiration
His multi-award-winning career landed him at Hot FM, the final chapter of his stint on air. The station released a statement early Tuesday morning.
“The last few months have been very difficult for Darren with numerous hospital stays. Darren will be remembered for his passion for radio, wit, creativity and charitable work. He will be missed by all of us at Hot 1027 and listeners across the country.”
During his career, Scott was on Supersport, Mix FM, and 5 FM, and became a household name after his career took off at Capital 604 in the 1980s. It was a forty-year-long career that’s near unrivalled in South African broadcasting.
Sasha Martinengo, a long-time colleague and friend, posted his tribute on social media.
“You fought hard, my friend. You brought joy, laughter and even pain to millions of people. Your professionalism as a broadcaster was an inspiration to us all. You loved ELO, which is a bit Meh, but I’ll forgive you. We had so many ups and downs in our careers together, but we always pushed each other on. I’ll never forget the great times we had Daz. You’re still a c@#t, but I miss you.
“To Mathew and Mark, may you always know what a genius your dad was. Lots of love to all who knew Darren, whether you understood him or not. He had an amazing talent, one of which I always strived to emulate. Rest well, my friend.”
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Scott was a wonderful colleague to work with. Particular and somewhat fussy in the studio, but always willing to help and assist, being there for almost anyone and sharing the joys of suitcase shooters. When it came to charitable causes, he was front and centre every single time.
The joys of suitcase shooters
Sarah Kate Accetta, Scott’s former wife and mother to his kids, posted an initial tribute on Facebook.
“There are no words to truly express the depth of my gratitude to every single person who donated, prayed, and stood beside him during the fight of his life. Your generosity through the Back-a-Buddy campaign didn’t just fund treatment – it gave Darren hope. It gave him dignity. And it gave him the profound gift of feeling so loved,” she wrote.
Two weeks ago, an industry-organised benefit concert was also hosted to raise money for Scott’s cancer treatment.
“I watched him,” Accetta wrote, “day after day, scroll through your messages in disbelief – humbled, overwhelmed, moved to tears. He couldn’t believe that so many people cared. Thank you for giving him that in his final months. As we make our way back home now, to not only commemorate his life but to learn how to face life without him, I ask from the bottom of my heart: please pray for the boys. Their world has changed forever, and we need every bit of strength we can hold onto.”
Scott was a radio man’s radio man. A broadcaster of broadcasters.
Over the past few years, several larger-than-life names in broadcasting and media were taken by cancer, including Derek Watts, Jeremy Mansfield, Mark Pilgrim and Kevin Savage, amongst others.
Also Read: Derek Watts, a legend in his own time
