Karabo Andries Mokgara, known professionally as DJ Karri, is a South African Amapiano DJ, record producer, and social media personality who has become a household name in the South African music industry. Born on 13 March 1986 in Hammanskraal, Pretoria North, DJ Karri has been a prominent figure in the music scene for more than 15 years, working as a DJ, producer, events coordinator, and community leader. His rise to fame came with the viral hit Trigger, which not only achieved gold certification but also catapulted him to international recognition.
Personal Information
Full name: Karabo Andries Mokgara (also known as Karabo Success Mokgara)
Stage name: DJ Karri
Date of birth: 13 March 1986
Age: 40 years old (as of 2026)
Place of birth: Hammanskraal, Pretoria North, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Occupation: DJ, Record Producer, Events Coordinator, Social Media Personality
Genres: Amapiano, House Music
Years active: 1999–present
Record label: Brave Boy Music, Sony Music Africa
Early Life and Background
DJ Karri was born and raised in Hammanskraal, a township in Pretoria North, South Africa. He developed his love for music in the late 1990s, particularly house music, which would later define his career. His stage name Karri was given to him by his mother, Malebo, at a young age, and he has used it throughout his career.
Growing up in the community of Hammanskraal, he discovered his talent for music and also found his passion for event coordination and organising community events. His early exposure to the local music scene and his determination to succeed laid the foundation for his future career in the entertainment industry.
Career Beginnings in DJing
DJ Karri began his music journey in 1999, when he started playing professionally. He is a self-taught DJ who learned by observing other artists and practicing at home. He was inspired by his brother and mother to pursue music and would attend gigs to watch and learn from established DJs, including sitting next to DJ Sbu and Black Coffee during performances.
Before becoming a producer, he worked as a local DJ in Hammanskraal and around casinos, and also promoted clubs starting from 2001. His early career involved playing at various events including the Durban July, Tshwane Event, Sun International events at the Carousel Casino, and self-hosted events.
Rise to Fame: The Trigger Phenomenon
DJ Karri’s career reached new heights with the release of Trigger in 2021, featuring BL Zero, Lebzito, and Prime De 1st. The song became a viral sensation, trending on TikTok through the #Triggerdancehallenge, where celebrities and fans participated in the dance craze.
The success of Trigger was a game-changer for DJ Karri. The song was certified gold in South Africa. He explained to TshisaLIVE: “I didn’t think things would happen so fast. I even went international with just one song. I was very happy, even for my boys I worked with on the song”.
The success opened doors internationally, with bookings coming from Iceland, the United Kingdom, Spain, and other countries. This breakthrough led to him signing with Sony Music Africa, a significant milestone in his career.
Music Career and Production
Although DJ Karri had been in the music industry for many years, he only started producing music in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. He released his first EP, I am brave boy EP, in September 2020. His production style is characterized by a unique approach to Amapiano, which he developed by trying something different from what other producers were doing.
Following Trigger, he released several successful singles including Tornado, Sanitizer, Batista, and Azul. In 2024, he released Saba Julukisa featuring Mfana Kah Gogo and Spux, which became one of his most popular tracks. His collaborative approach has seen him work with various artists, including JazzShakes on Yiyo, and a consistent partnership with Katah Katah, Rex, and SmallDrum on multiple tracks.
His discography includes the albums and EPs:
I am brave boy EP (2020)
Trigger (feat. BL Zero, Lebzito & Prime De 1st) – Single (2021)
Sanitizer (feat. Lebzito, BL Zero & ELK) – Single (2022)
Tornado (feat. BL Zero & Kamo the Vocalist) – Single (2022)
Batista (feat. BL Zero & Lebzito) – Single (2022)
Nana 2.0
Lakodura
Saba Julukisa (feat. Mfana Kah Gogo & Spux) – Single (2024)
Jwala – Single (2024)
Kwe Kwee (feat. Katah Katah, Zela Force, Rex, Smalldrum & Malandela) (2026)
Social Media and TikTok Presence
DJ Karri discovered the power of social media when Trigger went viral just after lockdown. He said: “I realised then that it can change your entire life in just a day or two. At the time I thought ‘I have influence and power and I need to use it to help other people achieve their dreams'”.
He now reaches more than 540,000 followers on TikTok, where he posts daily content. His social media presence has made him one of the most influential DJs in South Africa, using his platform not just for entertainment but also for social good.
Philanthropy and Community Work
DJ Karri is known for his charitable work and commitment to transforming lives in his community. Through his foundation, he works to change the lives of those struggling with substance abuse and other challenges. He goes into communities and tries to help those who have fallen out of grace through drugs and alcohol, helping them through rehabilitation.
He has played a significant role in the lives of several creatives and musicians, including Tebogo G Mashego, Alostro, Lerato, GPG Wa Pitori, and DJ Mujava. He is also the reason these individuals are part of a generation that contributes positively to society through music and entertainment.
His acts of kindness include helping a homeless man Dan Malungane pursue his dream of becoming a gospel singer, putting a nyaope addict through rehab, and offering homeless people personal makeovers. He also went out and found 20 single mothers and bought Christmas outfits for their children. In 2025, he helped a 15-year-old from Mogwase fulfill his dream of meeting DJ Karri.
DJ Karri was working closely with the late gospel singer Solly Moholo on social development initiatives to help homeless people, demonstrating his commitment to continuing the legacy of helping others.
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Awards and Recognition
DJ Karri is an international award nominee and a SAMA (South African Music Awards) nominee. His achievements include:
Trigger certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa
South African Music Awards (SAMA) nominee
International award nominee
Received a plaque for the gold certification of Trigger
Signed with Sony Music Africa
Personal Life
DJ Karri has a daughter named Kairo, who was three years old in 2020. He has described her as his biggest fan and motivation, saying: “Kairo motivates me to work hard and she’s the reason why I never give up easily, she’s my everything”.
In 2025, he hinted at the launch of a reality show based on his life and journey in the entertainment industry, showing his continued expansion into different media.
Musical Style and Influence
DJ Karri is recognized as an influential figure in the music industry, and his fans follow him across all platforms where his music is available. His musical style is characterized by a unique approach to Amapiano, which he developed by trying something different from what other producers were doing. He told TshisaLIVE: “With the way I deejay, I’ve always been different and unique”.
He plays various types of house music depending on the crowd, preferring commercial-house in a club setting and deep-house at home. His ability to adapt his style to different audiences has made him a versatile and sought-after performer.
Net Worth and Financial Success
While specific net worth figures are not publicly disclosed, DJ Karri’s financial success has grown significantly since the release of Trigger. The song’s gold certification, his signing with Sony Music Africa, international bookings, and multiple successful releases have established him as a commercially successful artist in the South African music industry.
Future Projects
DJ Karri continues to release new music and expand his brand. In 2026, he released Kwe Kwee featuring Katah Katah, Zela Force, Rex, Smalldrum, and Malandela, demonstrating his continued relevance and ability to produce hits. He has also hinted at a reality show based on his life story.
His discography shows a consistent output of music, often working with the same revolving partners to create a full and dense sound that has become characteristic of his collaborative style.