by Kevin Epps
Oakland and the world of music lost a giant with the passing of D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné! and a visionary whose influence extended far beyond the stage. Wiggins, who passed away at 64 following a private battle with bladder cancer, was more than a musician — he was a mentor, producer, and advocate for both artistry and community.
A sound that defined an era
Wiggins helped shape the sound of contemporary R&B, leading Tony! Toni! Toné! to fame in the late ’80s and ’90s with hits like “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” “Feels Good” and “Anniversary.” The group’s signature blend of soul, funk and timeless storytelling cemented their place in music history. But Wiggins’ impact didn’t stop there — he nurtured new talent and helped launch the careers of future superstars.
“The world lost a great one today!” said Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé. “Beyoncé and I stayed on the phone late last night reminiscing about Destiny’s Child’s time with D’Wayne Wiggins in Oakland. A lot of people don’t know, but D’Wayne was the first to sign the girls to a production deal and later a record deal. He produced their first album, and ‘Second Nature’ is still one of my favorites.”
She recalled how much fun the young group had working with Wiggins. “He was so kind, so patient, so multi-talented and generous,” she said. “Beyoncé told me how much he influenced and taught her, and even Solange remembered how ahead of his time he was — with his style, his locks, everything.”
Roots in activism, community and migration
Though his musical footprint stretched worldwide, Wiggins’ heart remained in the Bay Area. His family was part of the Great Migration of Black families from the South who moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in search of opportunity during World War II. Like many, his relatives came to work at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, one of the few places that offered African Americans employment during a time of widespread segregation and discrimination.
Wiggins spent summers in San Francisco’s Bayview Hunters Point, where his mother and aunt had deep ties. His aunt, Osceola Washington, was a fierce community advocate and member of the “Big Five” — a group of mothers and activists who fought for better housing, education and social conditions. Her dedication was so profound that a street in the neighborhood now bears her name.
“Summers in Hunters Point fueled my appetite for activism,” Wiggins shared at last year’s Osceola Washington Day Celebration, held at the Southeast Community Center in Bayview Hunters Point, where family and longtime friends gathered. “My mother and especially my aunt Osceola were heavily involved in the community, and that impacted me in so many ways.”
That sense of purpose stayed with him throughout his career, as he used his platform to uplift others. Whether mentoring young artists, advocating for local music programs, or giving back to underserved communities, Wiggins’ legacy was as much about service as it was about sound.
A lasting legacy
Wiggins’ passing leaves a deep void, but his contributions to music and culture remain indelible. His influence is heard in the work of the artists he mentored, felt in the activism he championed, and seen in the streets of Oakland and San Francisco that raised him.
Tony! Toni! Toné!’s music continues to be a soundtrack for generations, a testament to the soulful craftsmanship Wiggins brought to everything he touched. His spirit — one of creativity, generosity, and commitment to his community — will endure.
D’Wayne Wiggins may be gone, but his legacy will always play. Rest in Heavenly Peace.
Note: The family is planning an official public tribute for D’Wayne Wiggins in May with the City of Oakland, more info @dwaynewigginsofficial on IG.
Kevin Epps is a Dad, award-winning filmmaker, community activist, author, executive editor of the SF Bay View “National Black Newspaper” and a board member for the SF Bay View Foundation. Reach him at kevin@sfbayview.com or on Instagram: kevinepps1.
