Tributes are pouring in for radio legend Mark Pilgrim, who died on Sunday morning after a battle with cancer. He was 53.
He leaves behind his fiancé Adrienne and his two daughters, Tayla-Jean and Alyssa.
HOT1027 DJ Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning.
He fought valiantly to the very end.
Mark passed peacefully with his fiancé Adrienne at home.
His family thank you for being part of his journey, for loving him, celebrating him and supporting him always
— Hot 1027 News (@Hot1027News) March 5, 2023
In a statement paying tribute, the Managing Director of HOT 102.7 FM, Lloyd Madurai, says Mark found his ‘spiritual home’ at HOT 102.7FM, where he produced and anchored the Mark Pilgrim Show from Monday to Saturday, between 09h00 and 12h00.
“We’re devastated by Mark’s death and he leaves an enormous hole in the HOT family, as well as the broader radio industry.”
“Old school radio pros like Mark don’t come around very often and the only comfort we can draw is the fact that Mark had an incredible impact on not just South African radio, but the broader community, bravely fighting this awful disease in the public eye, and inspiring and giving hope to people in a similar position.”
Mark Pilgrim started his radio career on Voice of Wits campus radio in the 80s. He joined 5FM in 1995. In 2003 he left 5fm and joined 94.7 Highveld Stereo in Johannesburg.
In October 2007, Pilgrim hosted a chart show broadcast on 2 radio stations simultaneously (KFM and 94.7).
He retired from radio at the end of June 2014, but made a comeback several months later on the all new Hot 91.9FM in Johannesburg, initially just doing a Saturday morning show 9 am – noon, but eventually coming back to radio full time and also doing Monday to Friday 9 am – noon.
In 2015, he won an MTN Radio Award for Best Weekend Radio Show in South Africa, and in 2019 won the Liberty Radio Award for the Best Daytime Show in South Africa.
In 2021, Mark was inducted into the South African Radio Awards Hall of Fame for his contribution to the radio industry.
He was also a sought-after voice artist, published author, MC, corporate DJ, and motivational speaker, along with holding a BCom degree in Industrial Psychology and an MBA from Edinburgh Business School.
Recently, Pilgrim had often taken to social media to share updates on his health with all his fans, remaining positive throughout, even as his fans shared their concerns.
Very sad news of the passing of legendary broadcaster Mark Pilgrim. He fought a tough fight and inspired many in the process…and during his many years on radio. #RIPMark
— Gareth Cliff (@GarethCliff) March 5, 2023
🥲🥲🥲🥲💔💔💔Mark Pilgrim. Deeply saddened by news of the passing away of my long time colleague and friend Mark Pilgrim- Mark you a champion at your craft. #RIPMarkPilgrim #ChampionSouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/Uhc9beBwh5
— Ashraf Garda (@AshrafGarda) March 5, 2023
HOT1027 DJ Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning.
He fought valiantly to the very end.
Mark passed peacefully with his fiancé Adrienne at home.
His family thank you for being part of his journey, for loving him, celebrating him and supporting him always
— Tara Penny (@Starrrra) March 5, 2023
