French-Congolese producer DJ KARABA is redefining the sound of the underground. Formerly a professional dancer who toured with Drake, Camilla Cabello, Selena Gomez, and Chris Brown, KARABA’s approach is influenced by her unique understanding of movement and culture. Looking for a career shift, she seamlessly translated her lust for rhythm and dance to the decks, and quickly garnered accolades including her first Juno Award nomination in 2024 for Underground Dance Single of the Year with her breakout hit “Mad Mess”. In June 2025 KARABA has unveiled her anticipated Tides EP out now via ONErpm.

Who and who inspired you to become a DJ?
I was inspired by artists like Black Coffee, Folamour, Jayda G, Honey Dijon, and Peggy Gou. Each of them is so deeply rooted in their artistry and it really drew me in. They’re all so intentional with how they curate their sets. Every track feels like it has a purpose. Watching them taught me how powerful music selection can be. It’s not just about playing good songs; it’s about creating a journey, setting a mood, and telling a story through sound.

What kind of music did you listen to when you were a teenager?
So many genres! My parents are big music lovers, so music was always playing around me growing up. As a teenager, I gravitated toward a mix of Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, and electronic music, especially French House. I was also a huge fan of Zouk. That blend of sounds definitely shaped my taste and influenced the kind of energy I love to bring into my sets today.

And now?
I still listen to all those genres, but I’ve definitely broadened my horizons over the years. These days, I find myself listening to a lot of Kompa in my free time, it’s become a real comfort sound for me. And of course, I spend a lot of time diving deep into electronic music, especially Afro House. I’m always discovering new tracks and sounds that inspire me, both personally and creatively.

Which platform do you use to listen to music?
Spotify.

Why is Africa becoming so important in the electronic music scene?
Africa has always been important, it’s just that now the rest of the world is finally catching up. So much of today’s electronic music is rooted in rhythms, percussion, and energy that have African origins, whether directly or indirectly. What’s happening now is that African artists, producers, and DJs are taking control of the narrative and pushing their own sounds globally. It’s not just about trend, it’s about connection, identity, and storytelling through sound. The continent is full of talent, and with the internet and global platforms, those voices are finally being heard on a larger scale.

Your favourite DJs and producers?
I’d say my favorite DJs are still the ones I mentioned earlier, but I’d definitely add Shimza. I’ve been watching a lot of his sets lately, and I’m honestly in awe of his talent, he’s truly next level. As for producers, I’ve always been a fan of Timbaland and Pharrell. The sounds they created in the early 2000s are just iconic. On the other hand, I really enjoy a lot of music from producers across the continent, like Lionavye, Karfox, Afrozone, Unique Paballo, 40D, and so many others. Their production skills are incredible and constantly inspiring to me.

Your favourite clubs and festivals?
I just came back from Lightning in a Bottle, so I have to say this is hands down my favorite festival by far! I absolutely LOVE everything about it. The freedom, the celebration, and that carefree spirit you feel in the crowd and all throughout the festival, it’s unlike anything else. What I really appreciate is the unspoken understanding about phone usage. Everyone seems to agree on being more present, which creates this amazing, almost underground vibe. It’s hard to put into words, but every time I go, I leave feeling completely fulfilled.

Your alltime favourite track?
This is such a tough question, I honestly can’t pick just one. The first track that came to mind is “Together Again” by Janet Jackson. It marks a really painful moment in my childhood, and I remember playing it over and over because it gave me a sense of happiness and comfort during that time. Another track I always come back to is L’amnou pa mechan by Bisso Na Bisso. When I was little, my parents would play it on repeat, and it brings back that feeling of joy and carefree moments from my childhood. Both songs hold a special place in my heart and remind me of resilience and happiness.

How to send you promos?
artist@djkaraba.com

Your favourites food 
I’m a simple girl, I just love pizza! Give me a good pizza and a great vibe, and I’m happy. I even have a lowkey IG account where I share all the pizzas I eat when I travel. It’s like my little passion project. If I had to pick another favorite, I’m also a HUGE fan of Haitian food. The Haitian community in Montreal is really big, so I get to enjoy some amazing dishes and honestly, the food is incredible.

Your hobbies?
I actually really love watching sports documentaries, especially on Netflix. I’m always in awe of the athlete mentality. My dad is a huge sports fan, so I grew up around all kinds of sports. I didn’t really enjoy watching at first, but now I realize what draws me in is the mindset behind being an athlete, the discipline, focus, and drive. I’m also a big fan of reality TV, it’s my way to unwind and just get my daily dose of entertainment, no judgment! When it comes to staying active, I love spinning. It’s something that’s really good for my soul. I’m an intense person, so I like workouts where I can push myself hard and just be fully present in the moment. I also love hosting and hanging out with my friends. Since I’m often on the road, when I’m back home, I really enjoy chilling and cooking with them, it’s a great way to reconnect and relax.

Your upcoming projects?
I’m really excited about my EP Tides dropping on June 13th, it’s been a labor of love and feels like a big step in defining my sound. After that, I’ll be hitting the road with shows lined up in Morocco, Kosovo, and the UK for the rest of the month. I’m also always working on new music, constantly evolving and pushing myself to explore fresh sounds. Playing in new territories keeps me inspired.

Your lifelong dream?
My lifelong dream is to keep finding moments of happiness whether that’s with my husband, family, friends, or through my career and audience. As I grow older, I’ve learned that those moments of pure joy don’t last forever, so I want to keep experiencing them, the ones that make me feel truly alive. I also want to keep inspiring younger generations to step into the world of music, sharing what I’ve learned and loved. Playing stages where I can express my passion is a huge part of that dream, but ultimately, I just want a life that feels full.

KARABA image credits: Paulo Vivanco