Compiled by Small Town Music Blog
I met Ivan years ago when I worked at one of the many dance parties that were held at a stage around Nelsparta by Donavon Hogg and Ramon Garnier. I remember him because he was quite tall, not many guys are that tall around here. He seemed as funky like a monkey and looked like he walked with a beat of his own. Maybe it was his love for neon.
Over the years I’ve dealt with Ivan on many levels, both professionally and socially. He was a different person every time but I just figured that was his personality. He tried many times to make Nelspruit the place in SA to come have a jol at. He DJ’d at many parties that you might have attended – H20, the Nelspruit Hospice Glo Party, Earth Dance Mpumalanga parties, Party Safari, many battles of the DJ’s at Mango Lounge in White River, the Fashion TV Spring Bash, Jock, Vikings. His music gigs stretched as far as Voodoo Lounge in Johannesburg, News Café Bedfordview and many more places.
(photo Facebook)
One of the last big gigs I knew about was the one-night event at Forever Resorts Badplaas. It featured 5FM’s Nick Hammon, Euphonik and our favourite dance queen, Lady Lea. This was in December 2016. I admired his courage as he tried over and over again to pull the biggest dance events off. In some, he succeeds and in others, he didn’t. This is the industry for you. You don’t get into music and events for the money or the fame but for the love and passion for it. Music is a real lover, you hate and love her at the same time.
But now, 14 February 2017 was spent with a different sadness in this day of love. I personally am in shock about his death, because really he was the last person I would have ever thought would have taken his own life. It’s such a sad story. His family already lost so much. For many, they lost a friend and a fellow dance maestro. Someone who lit up their phones and lit up their day. I also know that his death has taught many people a great lesson about life.
Take an extra moment with those closest to you, hug them a little harder, forgive their faults a little easier…. take those two extra minutes and tell them they matter, they have strength, they are loved and that you appreciate the role they play in your life…We all need to hear it sometimes. When YOU need to hear it the most, put your arms around someone you love and care about and tell them…sometimes it’s ALL you both need to get through another day.
There are always questions left behind. For now, I think, we all must just remember him the way you knew him. To me, I will remember him for his smile as he did his favourite thing in the world, make the world dance.
“My dearest Ivy, we’ll miss you so so much. All the laughs, giggles and silly jokes. I’ll carry in my heart forever!!!
Rest in peace” – Jo Munro
(photo Facebook)
“You were someone who believed in me when all others did not. He was my mentor and teacher when all else felt I was not good enough. He took me to places and made me meet people I could only dream of. You are my friend till death separated us. Go well my brother and hope you find happiness and peace where you are! #DJIvan-Lloyd DJ Ivy Duvenhage (Ivylicious Beats)” – Renier Heyman
“Ivy was always the guy that lived, ate and slept music, I’ve never met someone with more passion and dedication to his craft. He was never interested in fame or fortune. I will never forget my chats with him about techno and our mutual love of the genre. I loved his positive and motivating social media posts. Ivy was loved deeply by the DJ and music community and deeply respected as an artist and person. For me, he was not just a colleague but a friend. I will miss him deeply. RIP my brother.” – Mark Stent
(photo Facebook)
Some heartfelt comments we found on Facebook;
“RIP old friend, spin the black circles in the clouds and make them angels boogie” – Justin Skinner
“Oh Ivan, you took yourself out of this world too soon. A gaping hole in many hearts, many adventures you were still meant to live, music you were meant to create. I am truly sorry this world was so cruel. May your heart finally be at peace. You will be missed” – Keli Stanssis
(photo Facebook)
“I am inexplicably devastated and shocked…can not believe my best friend is gone…Right now I cannot even put the right words together. I will write a special post later… right now I can not even think straight. What warms my heart is that I told him that I LOVE HIM when we spoke over the phone yesterday evening. I LOVE YOU my best friend Ivan-Lloyd DJ Ivy Duvenhage…not enough words to express what a true loss this is.. a true loss to your Family, Friends and of course the Music Industry!!!” – Ami Lectrix II
“The first day we met roughly 5 years ago (can be seen by how young we are in the picture) was the beginning of a new friendship that led to you mentoring, teaching and managing me, I can’t explain what that meant. I will never forget the memories we had together, we lost a family member, a friend, a brother and a DJ. You will not be forgotten let the heavens flow with them funky beats you love RIP Ivan-Lloyd Dj Ivy Duvenhage” – Sheldon de Beer.
“Rest in peace my friend…your legend will be with us and in us forever…your biggest set was you in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers for your friends and loved ones.” – Ruak Geering
“Ai friend…so sad to say good-bye. Better have the decks ready for when we meet again…RIP Ivan” – Vera Da Cruz
One thing we all can agree on is that his motto will live on forever – When words fail, music speaks.
