The family and friends of Warrick Stock, better known as DJ Warras, were all visibly emotional as they paid tribute to the slain star at his memorial in Johannesburg.

Speakers ranged from radio personality Sizwe Dhlomo, Penuel Mlotshwa and his fellow podcast co-host DJ PH. They all shared fun memories of their experiences with the personality.

His eldest son, Ethan, was the last speaker at the memorial and bravely battled tears as he described his father.

Ethan described their father as a loving, supportive, and wise individual who was always present for his family. He shared how he was a constant source of guidance and provided for his children.

“My father was the life of the party and the brightest light in every room.”

“When we needed someone, he was there,” a tearful Ethan shared as he recalled his father.

“I remember when I was in the hospital for 10 days and throughout those 10 days, my father was with me from 6 in the morning to night and at night. Whether the security or the nurses swore at you, you stayed with me.”

“Whenever we needed guidance and whenever we needed advice, he was always there because he was the wisest in the family.”

South Africa – Johannesburg – 19 December 2025. Family, friends and colleagues a South Africa – Johannesburg – 19 December 2025. Family, friends and colleagues at the memorial service of the murdered media personality Warrick DJ Warras Stock at The Galleria in Marlboro, Santon. Picture: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers

Image: Oupa Mokoena

Ethan said that his father was always nice to everyone and never acted like he was above anyone. “He just acted with pure love and respect for everyone.”

Ethan, with his two younger brothers standing by his side, closed his tribute by calling his father his hero.

“My father was my hero. He’s the person I look up to. He’s my inspiration. He was my rock and my foundation.”

Nicole, DJ Warras’s sister, bravely expressed anger and grief over his premature death, highlighting his commitment to justice, compassion, and speaking truth to power.

“I’m angry. I’m so angry because why was he taken away from us too early? And that is not where his voice should have ended. This is where it should have been loudest.

“This is where it should have been standing, not me saying the things that made people uncomfortable. Asking the questions that exposed us, loving people even when they did not know how to love.”

South Africa – Johannesburg – 19 December 2025. Family, friends and colleagues a South Africa – Johannesburg – 19 December 2025. Family, friends and colleagues at the memorial service of the murdered media personality Warrick DJ Warras Stock at The Galleria in Marlboro, Santon. Picture: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers

Nicole talked about how DJ Warras was a divergent thinker who saw the country at a crossroads and refused to admit it. He spoke about race, culture, politics, power, and history, not to divide, but because pretending to be healed while bleeding is dangerous.

“He challenged not only what was right or wrong, but what but whether we had the courage to execute and follow through.”