New Zealand DJ and Promoter Andyheartthrob Dies of Cancer at Age 33

Andrea Orani aka Andyheartthrob was best known for organizing events, but her impact on those who knew her went far beyond her work in dance music.

Members of the New Zealand dance music community are mourning the death of Andrea Orani, an event organizer and DJ who performed under the stage name Andyheartthrob. She has passed away at age 33 of cancer.

Orani’s manager, Jaimee-Lee Tredray, confirmed her death to Resident Advisor yesterday, January 14. The news follows her September 2023 diagnosis of stage-four metastatic bowel cancer, which had spread to her liver, lungs and lymph nodes by that point. A fundraiser launched by her family the following month had generated just shy of $80,000; its description noted that 12 months of treatment could have cost as much as $263,000.

“Andy created spaces where connection and creativity thrived,” reads Tredray’s statement. “She embodied the DIY ethos: start something, build a village of like-minded souls, and uplift everyone along the way. The ultimate hype queen, Andy made sure everyone around her believed in themselves and followed their dreams.”

Hailing from the islands of Rarotonga and Mangaia, Orani performed throughout New Zealand. In addition to her work with the organizer After Ours, she had founded the outfits DJs Anonymous and Dynasty Collective. She is survived by her parents, two sisters, and daughter.

“I’ve decided to document my healing journey via Instagram, so everyone can be on it with me, so I’m not alone,” Orani had shared shortly after her diagnosis. “I have many reasons to live for especially my baby daughter, Ruuru.”

Despite the challenges facing her, Orani continued to make time for dance music well into 2024. One of her last performances was for Boiler Room on Raratonga in the Cook Islands in May alongside fellow local acts Gat and Giddy. Her set explored indigenous sounds from across New Zealand.

We here at EDM Identity express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Andyheartthrob during what can only be a difficult time.