OAKLAND, Calif. – The guitarist of Oakland’s own Tony! Toni! Toné! is experiencing “medical complications,” the band said in a statement on social media.
The band said on Wednesday that D’Wayne Wiggins is working through the complications “one day at a time.”
“We know how beloved he is by so many, and we are grateful for your prayers and concern,” the group said in their statement.
The Wiggins family released a statement on Friday afternoon.
D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California. He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Tone! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many, including Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Zendaya, Kehlani, H.E.R, Keyshia Cole and Alicia Keys. He created musical sanctuaries for established and emerging artists to cultivate their talents in studio and stage spaces where all night jam sessions were legendary.
It’s unclear what complications Wiggins is facing or how long he has been facing them.
Dig deeper:
The Grammy-nominated R&B band was scheduled to appear at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy on March 22, but the event has been canceled, according to the venue.
The venue shared the artist(s) canceled the event “due to illness.”
Additionally, the band was slated to appear at Detroit’s Music Hall Center on May 23, but was canceled, according to Ticketmaster. It’s unclear if the event was canceled due to Wiggins’ health issues or for another reason.
Local perspective:
Other musicians and entertainers have expressed their well-wishes to Wiggins, including Oakland natives Sheila E. and Boots Riley.
“Thinking about you man. Sending love. Get well soon and bring us the funk,” Riley said.
“Fam, [please] pray for my brother Dwayne Wiggins. He needs prayer,” Sheila E. said in a post.
Others sending tributes included singer Karyn White and musical duo Kindred the Family Soul, both saying they are sending prayers and love to Wiggins
