Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty
D’Wayne Wiggins, one of founders of R&B sensation Tony!
“Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer.
He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony!
D’Wayne Wiggins performs in 2013.Credit:Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty
The family asked for privacy and thanked fans for their support.
Paul Natkin/Getty
Along with his half-brother Raphael Saadiq and cousin Timothy Christian Riley, Wiggins started Tony!
in Oakland, Calif., in 1986.
Tony! Toni! Toné! in 1993.Paul Natkin/Getty
They recorded three more albums together: 1990’sThe Revival, 1993’sSons of Soul, andHouse of Musicin 1996.
For Wiggins, who also continued to tour with Riley, that meant developing younger artists.
He produced and recorded a pre-fameDestiny’s Child,Zendaya, andH.E.R., according to the outlet.
The three original members of Tony!
reunited for a tour in 2023.
While promoting it, Saadiq toldVulturethat fans could expect more music from them soon.
“We definitely gonna do an album after this tour,” he said.
We’re working on it as we speak, in all these rooms.”
