Friends have paid tribute to a beloved Dundee DJ following his death from cancer at the age of 49.
Zahid Butt, also known as DJ Zed, died on Hogmanay morning after a battle with cancer.
The Dundee-born DJ was known and respected across the city for his love of music and nightlife.
Throughout his lifetime, he played at a number venues across the city, including Aura, Industry and Casa.
He also played at larger national festivals such as T in the Park, as well as at clubs in Cyprus.
Friends have described the 49-year-old as a “happy guy” who was always keen to help others.
‘He was always involved in projects’
Club owner and investor Tahir Ramzan knew the DJ for more than 20 years.
He said: “He was just a very happy person who loved making other people happy with his music.
“He was always involved in projects and willing to help people.
“I was a part-owner of the London Nightclub in Dundee and he DJ’d for us there.
“Zahid was just one of those guys who was never greedy. It was never about the money for him.
“He just enjoyed being around people.
“He played Industry, Carbon – he was very well-liked in Dundee, well-known.
“All age groups liked him, that’s why so many tributes have come in.”
Zahir was also heavily involved with the Dundee Dance Event (DDE).
He helped to organise and promote the event, which he also played at himself.
Chat with DJ led to the relaunch of Dundee Dance Event
Head organiser Mike McDonald was also a close friend of the performer, and has chosen to dedicate this year’s DDE to him.
He said: “Zahid’s been a close friend of mine for years.
“We met over music in the 90s and were friends since.
“When I got DJs for T in the Park in 1999 he was one of them.
“Because we were friends for so many years, Zahid was actually one of the first DJs to play DDE, he’s actually one of the few that’s played every single event.
“The only reason I chose to start up the event again in 2011 was because of a chat we had.
“He was up at my house in 2010. I hadn’t done a DDE since 1999 and we were talking about it, and he said: ‘Why don’t you do another one?’
“He was a close friend for 25 years and he’s going to be very sorely missed.”
