DJ Boonu’s Passing Leaves a Void in Durban’s Entertainment Scene

The Durban entertainment industry has been left in shock following the sudden passing of DJ Boonu, a respected creative known for his impact both behind the decks and behind the camera.

Born Andile Chili in Umlazi, DJ Boonu rose to prominence in 2017 with his breakout track uSwidi Wodwa, a release that helped establish his name within the local music scene. From that moment, he continued to build steadily, earning recognition for both his sound and his vision.

Beyond music, he founded Swidi Films—a platform that became instrumental in shaping visual storytelling for emerging artists. Through this, he not only pushed his own work forward but also played a key role in elevating others, earning a reputation as a connector within the industry.

Over the years, he collaborated with notable acts such as Big Nuz and Bhar, further cementing his place as a versatile and influential creative.

Outside of entertainment, DJ Boonu showed strong entrepreneurial drive, reportedly venturing into filmmaking and running a tissue manufacturing business—highlighting a hustle that extended far beyond music.

According to sources, his passing came unexpectedly, with the news spreading rapidly and leaving friends, family, and fans in disbelief. Emotional scenes were reported at his family home, as loved ones gathered to process the sudden loss.

A close friend shared: “We were together a day or two ago and he was his usual energetic self. We are still trying to understand this and will share more details when we can.”

DJ Boonu’s legacy lives on through the music, visuals, and impact he leaves behind—a reminder of a creative who gave so much to his craft and his community.