Capturing DJ Warras Biography: Durban Roots, Radio Fame, TV Career & Tragic Johannesburg Shooting
DJ Warras, born Warrick Stock on 27 November 1985 in Durban, South Africa, was a well-known DJ, radio host, and TV presenter. He grew up in Durban where his early love for music and entertainment shaped his career path. He started his professional journey in 2008 at YFM, working late-night shifts before moving to daytime shows like Prime Mode and Undisputed. His bold personality and outspoken style quickly made him popular among young listeners.
He rose to national fame when he joined SABC1’s Live Amp as a presenter, where his energy and fearless commentary stood out. He later worked with Gagasi FM, hosting That Drive, and also appeared on 5FM with The 5th Element. Beyond radio and television, he performed as a DJ and built a strong brand as a social commentator, often addressing issues that resonated with South Africa’s youth.
DJ Warras was nicknamed the Shady Lurker, a reflection of his unapologetic and daring approach to media. His achievements included becoming one of the most recognizable voices in South African entertainment, influencing both music and youth culture. He earned success through versatility, moving between radio, television, and live performances.
On 16 December 2025, DJ Warras tragically passed away in Johannesburg after being shot. He was 40 years old. His death shocked the entertainment industry and left fans mourning the loss of a bold and talented figure whose work had left a lasting mark on South African media.
DJ Warras Early Life and Background
DJ Warras, known to his fans as the Shady Lurker, was born Warrick Stock on 27 November 1985, in the coastal city of Durban, South Africa. His formative years in Durban were instrumental in cultivating his outspoken personality and his deep-seated love for music. He was exposed to a dynamic mix of South African sounds, including the energetic beats of kwaito, the pulsating rhythm of house music, and the social commentary inherent in local hip-hop. This vibrant cultural backdrop provided the foundation for his future career in broadcasting. While many Durban personalities tend to remain in KwaZulu-Natal, Stock made the crucial decision to relocate to Johannesburg when he was a teenager. This move placed him directly into the epicenter of the South African entertainment industry, making him readily available for the opportunities that would later define his career. The nickname Shady Lurker was an early sign of his affinity for unfiltered, often provocative commentary, which contrasted sharply with the more structured approach of traditional radio hosts. This early background of grit and ambition set the stage for his breakthrough success in the fast-paced world of Johannesburg media.
DJ Warras Education and Musical Influences
DJ Warras received his schooling in Durban, though specific educational institutions are not widely publicized. His most significant education, however, came from his immersion in South Africa’s cultural landscape. He developed an early and powerful exposure to hip-hop, house, and kwaito music, genres that were fundamentally linked to youth identity and social change in the post-apartheid era. He was deeply inspired by South Africa’s vibrant club and radio culture, viewing the airwaves and DJ decks as platforms for not just entertainment, but for authentic expression. This passion for music was crucial, leading him to master the art of DJing and programming. He learned to use his music selections and commentary to connect with the pulse of the youth demographic. This cultural fluency, rather than formal degrees, became the defining educational asset that propelled him from working the quietest radio shifts to hosting major prime-time shows and becoming a recognized TV personality.
DJ Warras Career Beginnings
DJ Warras’s Career Beginnings trace directly back to the vibrant campus of YFM radio in Johannesburg, a station known for launching the careers of many South African youth culture icons. He joined the station in 2008, starting humbly with the challenging late-night “graveyard” shifts. These shifts, which typically run during the quietest hours, required immense dedication and were crucial for him to hone his on-air persona and develop a loyal following among night owls and students. He quickly began to build a reputation for raw energy and unfiltered commentary, characteristics that were the essence of his self-proclaimed Shady Lurker brand. His unique, outspoken style resonated strongly with the station’s youth audience. This resonance allowed him to climb the ranks rapidly. He worked himself up from the late hours to hosting two prime-time shows on weekdays, including the popular drive-time slot, “En Route 6,” and the night-time show, “Prime Mode with the Shady Lurker,” cementing his early success on the urban radio circuit.
DJ Warras Rise to Fame
DJ Warras’s Rise to Fame was catalyzed by his successful transition from radio personality to a national television star. While his work at YFM had established him within the urban youth market, he became a household name through Live Amp on SABC1, the country’s most watched music magazine programme. He joined the show as a co-host in 2011, quickly becoming one of the most recognized faces on South African TV. His visibility was further enhanced by his characteristic style: he was known for his outspoken personality and fearless takes on social issues. Warras was never one to shy away from controversy, using his platform to spark conversations about everything from entertainment industry gossip to serious matters of governance and crime. He skillfully expanded into podcasting and digital media later in his career, co-hosting The Shady PHodcast and appearing on major shows like The Penuel Show. This ability to translate his distinctive brand across multiple platforms ensured his persistent relevance and massive national reach.
DJ Warras Major Achievements and Work
DJ Warras’s Major Achievements and Work demonstrate his impact across South African media, establishing him as a true multi-platform talent. He successfully hosted popular radio and TV shows spanning over a decade, including Live Amp on SABC1, The 5th Element on 5FM, and The Man Cave on SABC3. A significant achievement was his ability to use his platforms to support and showcase young and underground talent, actively helping to shape the local music and entertainment scene. He was recognized for connecting with youth culture, consistently maintaining a finger on the pulse of the changing social and musical trends, which made his content highly relatable. Furthermore, he successfully built a strong brand as both entertainer and commentator, often leveraging his “Shady Lurker” moniker to deliver unfiltered social observations. Beyond media, he was an entrepreneur, running JT VIP: Elite Guarding & VIP Protection Services, a security company, showcasing his ability to manage and invest outside the creative sector. His work earned him recognition not just as a DJ, but as a committed social commentator and businessman.
DJ Warras Net Worth and Success
DJ Warras’s Net Worth and Success were a direct reflection of his versatility, longevity, and entrepreneurial drive across multiple lucrative sectors of the entertainment and business industries. His primary income sources were substantial, derived from his high-profile roles in radio (YFM, 5FM), TV (Live Amp, The Man Cave), lucrative DJ gigs across the country, and highly sought-after endorsements. While an exact, verifiable figure for his estimated net worth is not publicly available, his status as a long-term prime-time host and sought-after celebrity implies a valuation in the millions of rand. His financial success was fundamentally tied to his versatility across platforms; he transitioned seamlessly from a radio jock to a television presenter and, later, a podcast host. Furthermore, his venture into security services with JT VIP: Elite Guarding & VIP Protection Services provided an additional, significant revenue stream, establishing him as a respected business leader in addition to a media personality.
DJ Warras Cause of Death
DJ Warras’s Cause of Death was a tragic and shocking incident of gun violence that occurred on the morning of Tuesday, 16 December 2025. He was fatally shot and killed in the vicinity of the Carlton Centre in the Johannesburg CBD (Central Business District). According to initial reports from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Warrick Stock was shot shortly after parking his vehicle. The specific motive behind the attack remains unknown, and police immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting. The killing, which occurred in broad daylight, instantly shocked the South African entertainment industry, leading to an outpouring of grief and national debate about rising crime and community safety. His sister, Nicole Stock, made a public appeal for privacy and requested that people refrain from sharing graphic images or videos from the scene, stressing the impact such material could have on his three young children.
DJ Warras Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
- Who is DJ Warras?DJ Warras was a highly influential South African DJ, radio host, TV presenter, and social commentator whose real name was Warrick Stock. He was popularly known as the Shady Lurker.
- What is DJ Warras’ real name?DJ Warras’ real name is Warrick Stock.
- What was DJ Warras famous for?DJ Warras was famous for co-hosting the popular SABC1 music show Live Amp and his long career in radio, including shows on YFM and 5FM. He was also known for his outspoken personality and social commentary.
- What was DJ Warras’ age and date of birth?DJ Warras’ age was 40 years old at the time of his death. His date of birth was 27 November 1985.
- What shows did DJ Warras host?DJ Warras hosted shows including Live Amp (SABC1), The 5th Element (5FM), Prime Mode with the Shady Lurker (YFM), The Man Cave (SABC3), and co-hosted The Shady PHodcast.
- What was DJ Warras’ cause of death?DJ Warras’ cause of death was a fatal shooting in the Johannesburg CBD on 16 December 2025. Police are investigating the murder.
- What was DJ Warras’ net worth?DJ Warras’ net worth is Not known, but he had a successful career with multiple income streams from radio, TV, and business ventures, suggesting a valuation in the millions of rand.
Warras Sekome (DJ Warras) Age and Verified Media Timeline
DJ Warras Age is 40 years old. He was born on 27 November 1985 in Durban, South Africa.
Warras Sekome (DJ Warras) Wife, Children, and Private Family Life
DJ Warras Wife has not been publicly disclosed. There is no verified information available about his marital status, as he kept his private life away from the spotlight.
Warras Sekome (DJ Warras) Real Name and Professional Alias
DJ Warras real name is Warrick Stock. He was born on 27 November 1985 in Durban, South Africa, and became widely known in the entertainment industry by his stage name, DJ Warras, also nicknamed the Shady Lurker.
Warras Sekome (DJ Warras) Parents, Early Life, and Soweto Roots
DJ Warras parents information is limited. He was raised by his mother and grandparents in Durban, South Africa, and he never knew his father.
Warras Sekome (DJ Warras) Quick-Reference Radio and Media Profile
| Profile | Information |
| DJ Warras career | South African Media Personality; TV Presenter (Live Amp, The Man Cave, Ngicel’iVisa); Radio Host (YFM, 5FM, Gagasi FM); Club DJ; Entrepreneur (JT VIP: Elite Guarding & VIP Protection Services). |
| DJ Warras real name | Warrick Robert Stock |
| DJ Warras age | 40 (at the time of his death) |
| DJ Warras date of birth | 27 November 1985 |
| DJ Warras net worth | Not known (Generated income from multiple high-profile media roles, DJ gigs, and business ownership; estimated to be in the millions of rand.) |
| DJ Warras wife / spouse | Not known (He was a loving father but kept details of his relationships private.) |
| DJ Warras children | Three sons: Ethan, Troy, and Kiyaan (also referred to as Kiyaan Stock). |
| DJ Warras parents | Raised by his grandparents and mother (He never knew his father; grew up in KwaZulu-Natal.) |
| DJ Warras religion | Not publicly known |
| DJ Warras state of origin | South Africa (Born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal; relocated to Johannesburg as a teenager.) |
| DJ Warras alma mater | Not publicly known (Attended schools in Durban.) |
| DJ Warras education | Completed Matric with high grades; Training in the media and entertainment industry (Largely practical and self-taught). |
| DJ Warras nationality | South African |
