The South African music industry and the city of Durban are gathered in a state of profound grief today, Sunday, March 29, 2026, to bid a final farewell to Andile Chili, the Gqom pioneer affectionately known as DJ Boonu. The 39-year-old visionary, whose beats defined an era of Durban nightlife, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, March 25, following a short illness.
As the funeral service concludes and the procession moves toward his final resting place, the day stands as a testament to a man who was much more than a DJ; he was a cultural architect for the “Durban Sound.”
A Final Send-Off at the Olive Convention Centre
While early reports suggested the service would be held at King Zwelithini Stadium, a last-minute change saw the fraternity gather at the Olive Convention Centre at Durban’s North Beach. The venue, often home to high-energy music events, was transformed into a somber space of reflection, filled with the “who’s who” of the South African entertainment industry.
The service, which began at 9:00 AM, was attended by heavyweights from the Afrotainment stable, including DJ Tira, who shared an emotional tribute to his long-time collaborator and “younger brother.”
Key Funeral Details:
- Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
- Main Service: Olive Convention Centre, North Beach, Durban
- Burial Site: The Chili family home in eNgonyameni, outside Umlazi
- Memorial Service: Scheduled for the upcoming week (details to be finalized)
Tributes to a “Creative Powerhouse”
The funeral service was marked by a series of moving eulogies that painted a picture of a man dedicated to the upliftment of others. Speakers from Swidi Films, the multimedia production company founded by Boonu, spoke of his transition from the decks to the director’s chair.
“Andile didn’t just want to be the one playing the hits; he wanted to be the one creating the visuals that exported our culture to the world,” noted a colleague from Swidi Films.
His impact was felt across multiple sectors:
- The Music Industry: Celebrated as the official DJ for Big Nuz and the creator of the 2017 anthem “uSwidi Wodwa.”
- The Visual Arts: A SAMA winner for Best Music Video (for Mthandeni SK’s “Gucci”), he was known for giving up-and-coming talent a professional platform through high-quality video production.
- Community Work: KZN MEC Meyer shared a heartbreaking memory of Boonu visiting Menzi High School just days before his passing, highlighting his commitment to giving back to the youth of Umlazi.
Warning Against Funeral Scams
Amidst the mourning, the family and close friends were forced to issue a stern warning regarding digital “grifters.” On Friday, March 27, family spokesperson and longtime friend Sandile Makhoba alerted the public to fake social media posts requesting donations for the funeral.
“The family is not requesting any financial contributions,” Makhoba clarified. He urged fans to ignore any “flyers” containing banking details, noting that the focus should remain on honoring Andile’s legacy rather than falling victim to opportunistic scams.
The Legacy of the “Swidi Wodwa” Pioneer
As the funeral cortege departs for eNgonyameni, the industry reflects on the void left by his passing. DJ Boonu was a central figure in the mid-2010s “Gqom wave” that took South Africa by storm. His ability to blend traditional Zulu influences with modern electronic basslines made him a favorite at events like the Durban July and Fact Durban Rocks.
| Milestone | Achievement |
| 2017 | Released “uSwidi Wodwa,” a track that defined the Durban Gqom sound. |
| 2021 | Successfully pivoted into film and PR with the launch of Swidi Films. |
| 2024 | Won a South African Music Award (SAMA) for visual storytelling. |
| 2026 | Released his final major collaboration, “Abangani,” featuring DJ Tira and TNS. |
A Journey Back to Umlazi
The decision to lay him to rest at the family home in Ngonyameni is a symbolic “homecoming.” Born and raised in Umlazi, Boonu never lost touch with his roots, even as his fame grew. His funeral was a mixture of traditional Zulu customs and the modern “glamour” of the industry he helped build.
The procession was led by a convoy of high-end vehicles, a nod to the lifestyle he celebrated in his music videos, followed by thousands of fans lining the streets of Umlazi to catch a final glimpse of the man who made Durban dance.
Conclusion
The passing of DJ Boonu marks the end of a chapter for the Durban music scene, but his influence through Swidi Films and his extensive catalog ensures that his “sweetness” (uSwidi) will linger in the air for years to come. As the soil is turned in Ngonyameni today, the South African music fraternity loses a soldier, but gains an eternal icon.
