South African gqom pioneer DJ Boonu has died, sending shockwaves through the music industry. The 31‑year‑old Durban‑based DJ, real name Andile Chili, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a short illness, according to local reports and tributes shared online.
He was best known for the hit song “uSwidi Wodwa” and for helping shape the gqom sound that emerged from Durban and spread across the country.
News of his death triggered an outpouring of grief on social media from fans, fellow artists, and industry figures, many of whom described him as a humble but influential force behind the scenes.
Motivational figure BI Phakathi and other prominent voices praised his work ethic and creativity, with several calling for his music legacy to be celebrated. Fans have taken to platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to share playlists of his tracks and express condolences to his family and collaborators.
DJ Boonu was a long‑standing member of DJ Tira’s Afrotainment stable, where he was regarded as a cornerstone of the label’s Durban house identity. He was widely credited with helping to nurture younger artists and keep gqom in the mainstream despite competition from genres like amapiano.
At the time of reporting, his family and management had not disclosed full details of the cause of death, but are expected to announce funeral and memorial arrangements in the coming days.
