Titch Wild, East London’s humble man

Upon meeting Titch Wild, you soon learn that the name of his band, Humble Man, couldn’t be more fitting.

For a while, Titch had it all, or at least it seemed so at the time. But when his life came crumbling down around him and he had to climb back up from the depths of despair, that was the pivotal point when he realised the real value of life.

A respectful and reverential man, Titch was born and bred in East London, attending Selborne all the way through from Grade 0 to 12. He matriculated in 1977 and spent two compulsory years in the Army. Developing a passion for music in High School, starting with the guitar and then moving onto drums, Titch used to play at the movies on a Saturday morning – then known as Twentieth Century. He would play at a bandstand in the corner, gaining experience for his involvement in the many bands that followed.

Titch enjoyed success playing with local bands such as Moby Dick, Buzzard, The Elevators and Otis D and travelled extensively all over the country. Bitter sweet memories remain from this period because despite his love for music and performing, his involvement meant that his family were often left behind. With Humble Man, Titch also enjoyed success with two albums recorded in Johannesburg, ‘Aim To Please’ and ‘One True Friend’.

Before any of his involvement in bands and music however, Titch’s first job was at the Kennaway Hotel. Straight out of the Army, he worked there for a short time until a marriage to his girlfriend and a baby on the way brought about a career change and he went to work in his dad’s Butchery.  A second-generation Butcher, his father ran a very successful business and during the 23 years that Titch was with him, they made a lot of money … money which sadly led the way to a serious drug and alcohol addiction. By the late 1990’s, his Dad had retired from the business and handed it over to Titch. Within two years, Titch had run the business into the ground as a result of his addiction. Plunged into despair, Titch, his wife and his son lost their jobs, were forced to sell everything they owned to pay off a million in debt, and ended up homeless and on the streets.

Where many would have left, Titch’s wife stayed by his side and led him to the church that she had been involved in for some time. At church, Titch turned to God and it was there that the Pastor, who had only known Titch for a matter of weeks, threw him a lifeline. He took Titch and his family off the streets, creating jobs for him wherever possible, giving him the opportunity to stand on his feet again – to start over. Through his conviction in God, Titch came off the drugs and alcohol and, despite the difficulty that followed, support and prayer prevented him from having to go into rehab. It was at the same church that he also met his fellow band members from Humble Man.  Their growing friendship resulted in him joining together with them and the band The Blues Company was born.

One of the jobs that Titch was able to get through the church was in the same building as the Christian music radio station Link FM, and in 2003 his unsung ambition came to light. Called into Link FM’s offices, he was asked if he would be interested in presenting their afternoon Drive Show. Unknown to anybody at the station, radio was something that Titch had always wanted to get into – dating back to when he finished the Army.  At the time, he had written to Capital Radio enquiring about an on-air job (Capital Radio was South Africa’s very first independent radio station who broadcast out of Port St Johns). This letter and dream at the time however, was long forgotten when his marriage and baby changed the course of his life.

At Link FM, Titch excelled in radio and in 2006 became a permanent member … and in 2008 a step up to management followed. As well as being the Station Manager, he is also the presenter of the Breakfast Show and, despite the very early mornings, he absolutely loves it. An interdenominational station broadcasting 24 hours a day, Link FM went on air for the first time in 1997 and is now the third largest Christian radio station in the country.

Titch sees a great future with Link FM in management … and hopefully on air too. He was also recently asked to start up a Men’s Ministry within his church, something he has a strong calling for. Leading and sharing his testimony with others is something Titch is proud to do, having previously spoken at youth groups and schools about his drug addiction and how he overcame it.

When the opportunity arises, Titch and the other band members from Humble Man still get together to perform, most recently at Legends Showcase Venue and the Biker Church. Playing carefully selected Christian music and a wide range of Blues songs by artists such as Eric Clapton and BB King, Humble Man is a band that is well respected and liked on the East London music scene.

Titch’s son has followed in his footsteps and has gone on to become a drummer, teaching and sharing his knowledge with the students at Legends Contemporary School of Music. He is also the proud father to a daughter, who now works as a Missionary.

Titch Wild is living proof that no matter the circumstances, a person can turn their life around.  There are always second chances – if you have the determination to start again. He is humbled by this opportunity he has been given, a chance for him to restore relationships and to encourage and support others.

So East London, if you are an early bird, be sure to catch Titch on his Breakfast Show at Link FM between 6am and 9am for some great music and positive conversation to go with your morning coffee … you won’t regret it!