We’re gutted to report that Jonty Skrufff, a DJ, writer and dance music industry titan, has died.
The news of his passing on March 6 at Charité hospital in Berlin was posted on Facebook by his wife, Fidelity Kastrow.
According to the post, “Jonty had been battling cancer but kept his diagnosis confidential until days before his death, so nobody would treat him differently and to be able to continue to live the life he so loved.”
She added, “Jonty loved DJing, bringing joy to others, making and sharing music, reading, writing, spreading knowledge, sharing ideas, initiating change and trends, counterculture, clubbing, connecting (with) people, dressing up, autonomy, integrity, supporting & inspiring others, traveling, cycling, going to the gym, chilling on his chaise longue, cooking, great food and living as an original punk.”
I had the pleasure of communicating with Jonty countless times over the year. I interviewed him a few times, and on several occasions, he interviewed me for a story in his newsletter.
In 2013, Jonty recorded a Big Shot Guest Mix. Here’s what I wrote about him:
We profiled UK scribe/electro DJ Jonty Skrufff in the print edition of Big Shot ages ago, and he’s continued to do good things. Jonty’s popular e-zine digs for stories where most journos fear to tread, and his mixing career has won him fans in all corners of the world. After returning home to the UK after a DJ gig last week in Berlin, he whipped up the latest installment of the star-studded Big Shot Guest Mix series, which has presented flawless mix sessions from Ben Watt, Junior Sanchez, Trouble & Bass and The Presets, among others. On this rockin’ 60-minute journey, Jonty includes many of his current favorites, as well as a tune from Fidelity Kastrow (she spins at Tresor and is a resident at Torture Garden), a song he co-produced with Mark Reeder.
There’s been an outpouring of condolences on social media from DJs, producers and industry execs. Below are just a few.
Rest in peace, Jonty.
RIP Jonty Lee / Jonty SkruFFF. He was one of the first friends I had when I first moved to Berlin after years of contact through his zine. The term a gentleman & scholar is used liberally but in his case it was absolutely true. He did his best to push music and people forward.1/2
— Patrick DSP (@PatrickDSP) March 17, 2020
Completely blindsided by the passing of @DJJontySkrufff. As the local @PioneerDJglobal rep, he was the one who got me up to speed on CDJs. "We've got to get you off Traktor, mate." Hahaha. Love and condolences to his wife @FidelityKastrow, and his many friends and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/OD9F68qkmd
— alan_oldham (@alan_oldham) March 18, 2020
Jonty Skrufff in my studio the first time I lived in Berlin around 2005. See you on the other side someday! pic.twitter.com/LJC82AN1f6
— Oliver Chesler (@thingstocome) March 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/NourRidaoui/status/1240241879951773701