TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular radio DJ, who has died at the age of 61.

A funeral was this week held for ALL FM star Stevie Fly who passed away in hospital after collapsing. And a final tribute is being paid to the local radio hero whose sudden death has shocked a community.

Friends and colleagues said that a Caribbean Carnival night, which Stevie had organised as part of the two-week Levenshulme festival, would go ahead in his honour.

"He would have wanted the show to go on," said Tony Hennigan, Levenshulme Festival’s president, who is hosting the special night in his M19 bar on Stockport Road.

All his family, friends and fans alike last week turned out in force for the funeral of Stevie, whose real surname is Leiba. It was held at the Church of God of Prophecy on Moss Lane East in Moss Side.

The church was packed as mourners paid their last respects to the "kindest of men," whom they said had made a huge difference to the community.

There was a wreath spelling out FLY in the hearse, and colleagues of the black cab driver respectfully turned out in convoy.

As well as being a DJ on ALL FM Stevie was also a founder of Peace FM.

Those that knew and worked alongside Stevie Fly are still bewildered by the stark suddenness of his demise.

Only hours before he collapsed and died in hospital he had been talking excitedly about his involvement in Levenshulme Festival and the Caribbean Carnival night he had organised that is now a second wake.

Born in Jamaica, he was proud of his roots and liked to share the traditions of his island home with his friends.

Gina Hine of ALL FM said: "Stevie was an inspiration to everyone, a true community champion. Everyone is utterly shocked and saddened by his passing. We will miss him dreadfully."

She added: "We believe that Stevie would have wanted the show to go on and we are proud to be supporting this event in celebration of his life and the difference he made to the community."

Erinma Bell, of Peace FM, said: "He was like a father figure to me. He was reassuring and taught me so much. Only just before he died he told me how proud he was of me, and how well I had done."

Lawrence Hennigan said: "We were very shocked about Stevie’´s sudden death. I was only speaking to him about the festival just hours before.

"The funeral was a very moving occasion and the church was completely packed out."

Stevie lived in Moss Side with partner Dorret. He also leaves two daughters and two grandchildren.

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