Andrea Orani, the beloved New Zealand DJ known as Andyheartthrob, has died. She was 33.
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Jaimee-Lee Tredray, Orani’s manager, confirmed her passing to Resident Advisor this week. Orani, affectionately known as Andy to her loved ones, was diagnosed in September 2023 with stage four metastatic bowel cancer, which had also spread to her liver, lymph nodes, and lungs.
Known to those around her as a “ray of sunshine” in the country’s underground scene, Orani (with the stage name Andyheartthrob) made her mark through her work with After Ours Studio and as the founder of the collectives DJs Anonymous and Dynasty. Through Dynasty Collective, she played a pivotal role in introducing Jersey club pioneer UNiiQU3 to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) for her New Zealand debut in 2022.
Meanwhile, one of Orani’s final performances was a memorable Boiler Room set, recorded in May 2024 on the picturesque island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Sharing the stage with local talents like Gat and Giddy, she delivered a powerful performance just months after being diagnosed with stage-four cancer.
Following her diagnosis, a fundraiser was created to help cover the costs of her treatment, which was expected to reach up to a staggering $263,000 NZD.
“Her oncologist recommended urgent chemotherapy due to the cancer’s aggressive nature. She might not survive more than two weeks,” her family wrote on the fundraiser’s page back in late 2023.
Donations to the fundraiser supported 12 months of immunotherapy, alternative cancer treatments, and also care for her young daughter, Ruuru.
Throughout her treatment, Andrea shared regular updates online, keeping friends and fans informed and connected.
Friends and Colleagues Pay Tribute to DJ Andyheartthrob
Meanwhile, friends and colleagues mourned the loss of the rising DJ.
“Andy created spaces where connection and creativity thrived. She embodied the DIY ethos. Start something, build a village of like-minded souls. Uplift everyone along the way,” her manager Jaimee-Lee Tredray shared, per Resident Advisor. “The ultimate hype queen, Andy made sure everyone around her believed in themselves and followed their dreams.”
Fellow DJ KATANA also paid tribute to Andyheartthrob with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“You were one of a kind. We shared the same vision,” the DJ wrote alongside candid snaps with Andyheartthrob. “It really sucks that you’re gone. I’ll make sure your legacy and love live on forever in our community. I’ll miss you,” he added.