Dumi Bee’s mic goes silent: tributes pour in for radio personality after fatal shooting

The radio industry is mourning the loss of one of its well-known voices.

Dumsani ‘Dumi Bee’ Miya, 45, was killed in a shooting outside his Pietermaritzburg home on Tuesday evening, October 28.

The reasons behind the attack have not yet been confirmed. His passing has left a void for colleagues, fans and the wider community.

Miya was a long-standing member of uMgungundlovu 107.6 FM, a community radio station in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The station expressed its condolences and paid tribute to his dedication. 

“As the uMgungundlovu FM family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of our colleague, Dumi Bee, who was part of the team that led the Art Bukhoma show. Dumi Bee was dedicated to the show and to the station, with a strong commitment to artists across the uMgungundlovu region." 

"His loss is deeply felt. The Art Bukhoma show aired every Wednesday at noon, where he worked to bring artists to perform live on air. May his soul rest in peace. We will always remember him for his spirit and his love for people,” the station said.

Social media messages have also highlighted the impact Miya had on those around him.

Ctheh Nox Nokuthula wrote: “A good person does not die in vain. RIP Mr Miya. May evildoers be quickly caught. Condolences to his family, relatives and colleagues.”

Mandla Mpilwenhlee said, “Rest In Peace, Gcwanini. It was great having you with us, especially on the radio. May your family find comfort.”

Miya’s memorial service will take place on Friday, October 31, at Welcome Christian Church in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg, at 5pm.

His funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, at Lay Ecumenical Centre in Edendale, starting at 9am.

Miya worked at uMgungundlovu FM for 15 years. He was a presenter on the weekday show Emini Bebade, which aired from 12pm to 3pm, and, in 2021, he launched Art Bukhoma, a show that gave local artists a platform to perform live.

Beyond radio, he was a respected gospel artist and continued to promote local talent throughout his career.