A much loved DJ was a driving force behind one of Bermuda’s top sound systems.

Dennis Maynard, also a radio show host, was known as Bussy, part of the double act of China and Bussy.

Benjamin Smith, a friend who made music with Mr Maynard, said: “Bussy was all about making people happy – if he could make your day, that made his.

“He would light up a room. I think that’s what’s going to be missed most.

“With everything we’re all going through, with Bussy your spirits were automatically lifted.”

Mr Maynard formed China and Bussy with Kingsley Burchall, a friend from primary school.

Mr Smith said their parties were “massively popular” from the 1990s on.

He added: “Bussy was a loving individual, and spiritually uplifting for people that would lend their ear.

“He was deep in the Rastafarian faith and was very well-versed in scripture and its meaning.

“He loved life, loved his children and was loyal to his friends.”

Mr Maynard was father to Rhondasha Wilkinson, Shalae Johnston and Skye Davis.

He became the presenter of the drive home show on KJAZ 98.1FM in 2009 and Mr Smith said it was a privilege going on the air after his friend.

He added: “I always knew I would have a good show if I came on after Bussy. He just set the vibe.”

Mr Maynard won a Best of Bermuda Gold Award in 2009.

He told The Royal Gazette at the time that he thrived on new music.

Mr Maynard said: “You feel it and like Bob Marley said, when you feel it, you feel no pain.

"And then when you are in front of a big crowd it excites you. I make the party – I am a mic man.

"I get everyone singing and you will sing with me. It is all about the vibe and taking the party to where it is supposed to be."

Mr Smith and Mr Maynard opened Club Minaj on Water Street in St George in 2012.

Mr Smith said the club had been his friend’s dream.

The two collaborated on a song created as a jingle for Mr Smith’s workplace, Sargasso, over the summer.

Mr Maynard opened and closed the song, Get Ya Gasso On, with his typical speaking style from DJing.

Mr Smith said: “It was an amazing project.

“I was so honoured to have my best friend on the track. We were privileged to have him.

“It’s going to live on because Bussy helped make that track.”

Mr Smith added Mr Maynard was “my brother, my boy, my best friend and my confidante”.

“He definitely will be missed.

“Bermuda is never going to see anyone else like Dennis Maynard – trust and believe.”

• Dennis St Clair Eugene Maynard, a veteran DJ, was born on November 34, 1970. He died this month, aged 50.