DJ Boonu funeral service venue updated as friends warn against fake donation appeals
GRIFTING AT A FUNERAL
The confusion over the funeral service of Andile Chili, 39, populary known as DJ Boonu in the entertainment industry, has been cleared. Chili died in the early hours of Wednesday, March 25. He will be raised to rest at his family home in eNgonyameni, outside Umlazi following a funeral service at the Olive Convention Centre in North Beach, Durban.
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Friends and family of Durban-based artist and gqom' pioneer DJ Boonu, real name Andile Chili, have warned fans about false information circulating regarding donations for his funeral.
The 39-year-old artist passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, March 25.
On Friday, Sandile Makhoba, a longtime friend of DJ Boonu and former Independent Newspapers photographer, shared one of the fake posts to alert the public, stressing that the family is not requesting any financial contributions.
Makhoba also clarified that the DJ's funeral service on Sunday, March 29, will be held at the Olive Convention Centre at Durban's North Beach starting at 9am, and not at the King Zwelithini Stadium, in Umlazi as previously shared and reported.
"We have an update, in the morning (Friday) a flyer with the wrong location was leaked. The correct location is Olive Convention Centre," said Makhoba who urged people to ignore the wrong flyer that had been circulated.
39-year-old artist, Andile Chili, popularly known as DJ Boonu who will be laid to rest at his eNgonyameni family home on Sunday following a sudden death in the early hours of Wednesday.
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DJ Boonu will be laid to rest at his family home in Ngonyameni, outside Umlazi.
A memorial service will be held during the week following the funeral, with further details expected to be communicated on the day.
Tributes from friends, colleagues and members of the community continue to pour in, reflecting on both his career and his character.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Andile Chili,” read a statement issued by his multimedia production company, Swidi Films. “Mr Chili, widely known as DJ Boonu, was a valued member of the creative community whose passion, talent and contribution to the industry will always be remembered.
“His presence brought energy, creativity and inspiration to those who had the privilege of working with him. On behalf of Swidi Films, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who knew and loved him during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”
The fake donations appeal which the family and friends of DJ Boonu are warnng the people about. The DJ passed away in the early hours of Wednesday and will be laid to rest on Sunday at eNgonyameni following a funeral service at the Olive Convention Centre at Durban's North Beach. A memorial service is expected next week.
Image: Meta
Boonu built a career spanning more than a decade, becoming one of the recognised names in gqom. He was known as the official DJ for Big NUZ before branching into a solo career.
His breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of Uswidi Wodwa, featuring Madanon and Igcokama Elisha, which earned him wider recognition.
Beyond performance, he also ventured into film and production. In January 2024, he launched Swidi Films, focusing on music videos and film projects.
His work earned industry recognition, including a South African Music Award for Best Music Video for Gucci by Mthandeni SK featuring MaWhoo.
Born in Umlazi, Boonu began his career as a full-time DJ in 2009. Before rising in the music industry, he worked as a security guard inspector after financial difficulties disrupted his studies in quantity surveying.
Those close to him remember him not only as a pioneer of gqom, but as someone who actively supported and uplifted others in his community.