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Who is L O KARI

Elgin Bokari T. Smith, aka L O Kari, is a Chicago-based DJ, Activist, Visual, and Performing Artist from St. Louis, Missouri. Born in 1987, L O Kari was heavily influenced by the soulful sounds of RnB, Jazz, Hip Hop, Gospel, and Alternative Rock. While attending Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, Elgin discovered that he had an ear for music and began creating music on piano and guitar while adding his unique flavor. Now known as L O Kari, Elgin has performed domestically and abroad - ranging from New York, St. Louis, Ohio, Seattle, South Korea, Japan, and all over the Chicago land area. He has shared stages with the likes of Bone Thugs and Harmony, Ruby Ibarra, The Terra Godz, Saba, Da Brat, Clark Airlines, Mega Ran, Bop Alloy, No Name Gypsy, DJ Esco, Young Chop, Lil Crazed, Rebel Diaz, Twista, and Chingy… to name a few.

Elgin also gives back to his community as a Teaching Artist,  is a former Program Director turned Artistic and ED of Stomping Grounds LAI, and President of the activist and artist collective, Elephant Rebellion. Elgin also is the co-creator of Pocket Con, the comic book convention that celebrates characters of color.

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