Magnus Johnstone was a visual artist and pioneering radio DJ. Born in Chicago in 1952, by the early 1970s the young artist settled in Boston, MA.
In addition to a range of activities in the Boston art scene, in the early 1980s Magnus became a college radio host, producing forward-thinking African and Reggae shows on WMBR 88.1 FM: “Aliens’ Corner” and “Reggae Mukasa.” In 1985 Magnus started the now-legendary “rap and electro” radio program called “Lecco’s Lemma,” also on WMBR. A year later he moved the show to Boston College’s WZBC 90.3 FM, where it ran until 1988.
In July of 2001 Magnus and his wife Mango relocated to Bucksport, Maine. He created his most complex radio program during this era, on WERU, called “The Matrix”, mixing spoken word pieces in with sounds from his vast collection. He also initiated and co-hosted “Da Vibez,” featuring hip-hop and other electronic-based music.
Magnus passed away on Feb 22, 2013, after a vibrant life filled with art, music, love & community.
