Gisborne DJ Jamil Weiss dos Santos remembered by family after death

The whānau of Jamil Shiloh Weiss dos Santos paid tribute to the 22-year-old DJ, who helped teach DJ SuperGran, after he was found dead over the weekend following a massive community search effort. Photo / Supplied

The family of a “much-loved” 22-year-old DJ from Gisborne, who recently taught DJ SuperGran for Rhythm and Vines, have paid tribute to him after he was found dead over the weekend.

The disappearance of Jamil Shiloh Weiss dos Santos on the night of January 2 sparked a massive search involving hundreds of local volunteers, according to a family statement.

A police spokeswoman said Weiss dos Santos was found dead near the Gaddums Hill Rd area on Sunday.

His death will be referred to the Coroner.

Weiss dos Santos was born in Gisborne on October 4, 2003.

He attended Pickering Street Kindergarten, Wainui Beach School, Gisborne Intermediate and Lytton High School, where he was a prefect.

He played football and ultimate frisbee, ran cross country and studied bass guitar.

He went on to study at the University of Auckland, completing the Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Marketing, and graduated in May 2024.

“Residing in Auckland, Jamil started DJing in November 2024 and put his whole heart into it. Together with a collective of friends and like-minded musicians, he organised and played events at local venues and outdoor spaces. He performed at Rhythm and Vines 2024 and 2025,” the family statement said.

“He was featured in the recent DJ SuperGran project with R&V, where he taught 81-year-old Molly Pardoe how to DJ to raise awareness for SuperGrans Tairawhiti.

“Jamil will always be remembered as a communicative and enthusiastic person, who was truly caring and empathetic towards others and had a passionate love for music and for bringing people together.

“He used to always say, ‘The meaning of life is connection.’”

He leaves behind his parents Nego Beto and Mara Weiss, and sister, Jasmin (Jazz). He is the grandson of Norman Weiss and Diana Whakapapa.

Those who knew him are encouraged to share their stories and photos on a Facebook group called Remembering Jamil dos Santos.

Details of the funeral service this Friday will be posted there.

“Jamil will be laying at home at 51 Lawrence Pl. Visitors are welcome on Wednesday and Thursday after 12 noon.”