The sudden death of prominent Durban-based artist, DJ Boonu (real name Andile Chili), has sent shockwaves through the music industry.
The “uSwidi Wodwa” hitmaker reportedly passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a short illness, leaving fans and colleagues in a state of shock.
While specific details surrounding his death have not yet been revealed, the outpouring of grief across social media underscores the deep impact he had on the country’s creative landscape.
Colleagues and fans alike have struggled to process the news.
Fellow musician Asanda Lynette Mkhize wrote: “💔💔rip😭… wish this was not true.”
BI Phakathi wrote on Facebook: “Rest in peace, DJ Boonu. May his music legacy live on longer, ‘Uswidi wodwa’ hitmaker. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Another fan, @_sheher17 posted: “😢😢😢😢.”
DJ Boonu was a cornerstone of the Afrotainment family, maintaining a long-standing and successful professional relationship with the powerhouse label founded by DJ Tira.
While he operated with a blend of label support and his own independent ventures, he was a fixture of the Afrotainment family.
Beyond the recording studio, DJ Boonu was an essential presence at South Africa’s premier events. He was a regular on the line-up for the iconic Fact Durban Rocks concerts and a familiar face at the Afrotainment Marquee during the Durban July.
His influence also extended into the digital space, with his music videos frequently hosted on the Ezase Afro YouTube channel, garnering millions of views and helping to export Gqom culture to the world.
His discography includes some of the genre’s most definitive tracks, from his 2017 breakout hit “uSwidi Wodwa”, featuring Madanon and Igcokama Elisha, to his 2018 anthems “Abangani Bami” and “Umdanso Omusha”.
Most recently, he proved his enduring relevance with the 2025 single “Abangani”, which featured DJ Tira, TNS and Beast RSA.
In January 2024, the artist expanded his horizons by launching Swidi Films, a production house dedicated to music videos and storytelling.
In a past interview, he spoke passionately about this transition, noting that he saw a gap in the industry for innovation and diverse narratives.
“I am very passionate about storytelling and saw a gap in the industry for innovation and diverse narratives. We wanted to bring fresh perspectives to the screen and create a platform for emerging talent,” he said in a past interview.
Funeral and memorial details will be announced in due course.
