Lenzman, the influential Dutch drum & bass DJ, producer and founder of The North Quarter label, has died.
In a post shared to the artist born Teije van Vlie’s Instagram account on Sunday (12th July), his family confirmed that he had passed away on Saturday after living with cancer for over three years.
“He fought with so much strength, courage, and love,” read the statement, signed by his wife Ashanti and daughters Riva and Nya. “He showed us what true strength means, and I will forever be proud to have walked this life beside him. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported us, loved Teije, sent messages, visited, helped, and stood beside us during this difficult time. Your kindness and love have meant more than words can ever express. We are forever grateful to be surrounded by so many beautiful people.”
Lenzman, who released his debut album ‘Looking At The Stars’ on Metalheadz in 2014 and maintained a close affiliation with the label, went public about his illness last year, revealing that he had been diagnosed with kidney cancer in January 2023, which had spread to other parts of his body and was incurable.
Known for his soulful take on jungle and drum & bass, which wove emotionally rich elements of jazz and hip-hop into a nimble liquid framework, Lenzman remained prolific in spite of his illness, writing in 2025 that music “helped him stay positive” as he underwent treatment and became less able to gig. Recent releases included ‘We Blessy’ on 1985 Music with Manchester MC Fox and Satl, and two tunes made with regular collaborator Redeyes, ‘Heart Is So Heavy’ (with Pinty and Natacha Kanga) and ‘Out The Dance’ (with Danny Sanchez). The latter tracks are expected to be released as part of a collaborative LP with Redeyes on The North Quarter later this year.
Outside of his own music, Lenzman built a vital platform for drum & bass artists via The North Quarter, the label he founded in 2016 that became a home for the likes of FD, Note, Fox and Objectiv. Speaking about his ethos for the imprint with DJ Mag back in 2023, he said “if I discover someone new, the most important thing for me isn’t if they already have a fanbase or if the music is gonna sell loads of units. It’s more, is the sound bringing something different to the table?”
“When I first got into jungle and drum & bass, it was really varied,” he added later in that same interview. “I like the idea of representing that and also being able to surprise people with the music that we release.”
Outpourings of love and respect have been paid to Lenzman in recent months, particularly after the news that his treatment had ended in May. A fundraising event for his family was held in London club Phonox in June, with sets from members of The North Quarter crew as well as DJ Flight, LSB, Workforce and GLXY.
In a post shared after the event, Lenzman spoke candidly about what it meant to see the support shown for him and his family. “I was sitting at home watching things unfold and even lying in bed the emotions were tangible for me,” he wrote. “I suppose part of it is that I won’t get to see you again or experience DJing anymore, the thing I’ve loved so much. I really struggle with it all and I can’t bear to think about it all too much, but much of my life’s work was there in Phonox… All I can really say over and over is thank you, as I’ve been so grateful to have been able to do this for so many years. And it’s made me so incredibly happy.”
Tributes have come from across the d&b community following news of Lenzman’s passing this weekend, with condolences shared by friends and peers including Metalheadz, Mantra, Jamz Supernova, Quartz, Martyn and many more. Writing on Instagram, Metalheadz founde Goldie wrote: “I’ve seen him grow over the years ..and into one of the kindest and most beautiful people you could ever meet …he was a massive part of the Metalheadz family over the years and came into his ‘own\ with The Norther Quarter with the love that he shared with so so many. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Ashanti and his beautiful children Riva and Nya.”
Listen to one of Lenzman’s best-loved tracks, ‘In My Mind (feat. IAMDDB)’, below.
