Getting the bag in more than one way is becoming the norm for people across a variety of professions.
Being able to carve out a stream of passive income is the sensible thing and it's now popular in fields from the finance sector to the arts.
Andile Chili, who you might know better as DJ Boonu, has a healthy understanding of this as the popular gqom DJ has recently made a move into the world of film and production.
Last time we heard from him he was exploring cooking various foods using beer as a substitute for oil. Boonu has just recently opened his new company Swidi Films, which has been around for a short while and growing steadily,” despite being young, we are excited to make a significant impact on the industry,” he says optimistically.
This move was a simple one for an artist who has sent years weaving stories through sonics.
“I am very passionate about storytelling and saw a gap in the industry for innovative and diverse narratives. We wanted to bring fresh perspectives to the screen and create a platform for emerging talent,” he explains.
He says his company focuses on a wide range of genres, from podcasting to music videos down to live event broadcasting.
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“Our commitment is to produce visually stunning and content that captivates the audience nationally and hopefully internationally.”
His company’s services are available to filmmakers, producers, music artists, and online radio broadcasters.
“Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring creator, we provide a platform for collaboration and the realization of artistic visions,” he adds.
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He also claims to have attracted some young talents to his new venture, “currently, we have a dynamic team of creative professionals, including photographers, directors, editors, cinematographers, and post-production experts. The exact number may vary as we continue to grow.”
This is still a burgeoning business enterprise and so Boonu is still contending with the niggles of a new endeavour.
“One of the biggest challenges has been establishing our brand and gaining recognition in a competitive industry. Overcoming the initial hurdles and building a reputation for quality and innovation required perseverance and strategic planning.”
Despite that he is still able to gleam moments of enjoyment from his new enterprise.
“The most enjoyable aspect is witnessing the transformation of ideas into captivating visuals that resonate with audiences. We love fostering creativity, supporting talent, and contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of filmmaking.”
He says 2024 will be a year of growth for him as he has, “ambitious plans for the coming year, including expanding our portfolio, forging partnerships, and exploring new technologies to enhance the process For Emerging Artists and talent”.
The DJ has been a prominent fixture on the social scene in Durban and so from time to time who he might be seeing does garner public attention which it has of late. The veteran DJ is embroiled in a flourishing relationship with a white woman which has piqued the interest of people on social media and the like.
“There is not much to say about her, but she is truly nothing but amazing not only to me, but she is a pure soul and a wellbeing to everyone.”
Being in an interracial relationship in a country like South Africa can present a set of challenges that we still have to contend with, this far deep into democracy.
“It is safe to say all couples go through challenges but the main fix for challenges is communication and with this current relationship the joys are at a high. I get to teach my partner about my culture and traditions, and she also gets to teach me about hers and her belief system,” he gushes.
