Today we’re excited to be connecting with Emeka Dike again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Emeka, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
The Journey of an African DJ Legend
The story began in 1996, like many renowned African entertainers, in the heart of the church. Music has always been my calling, and my early days as a drum player in the church allowed me to nurture my rhythm and precision. Soon after, I became part of a band called The Royal Youths, made up of like-minded congregants who shared a passion for music. Together, we performed at countless churches and events, reveling in the joy of creating music.
In 1998, I decided to dive deeper into my love for music and began working as a studio assistant—what some call a “Studio Rat”—at a prominent studio in Lagos, Nigeria. It was there that I had a transformative encounter with one of Nigeria’s top DJs. Watching him masterfully mix songs and perform tricks on the turntables left me mesmerized and sparked a desire to pursue DJing as a career.
A few years into DJing, I connected with Snoop Damager, who became a mentor and a guiding force in my journey. His influence helped refine my skills, shaping me into a confident and versatile DJ.
Enrolling at the University of Lagos marked a major turning point. The school was a hub of talent, producing icons like Eldee and the Trybesmen, Darey, Denrele, and other influential figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry. During my time there, I carved out a reputation as a formidable DJ, playing at nearly every college event and becoming a household name among students. My university years laid the foundation for the wave of popularity and stardom that followed.
Fast forward over two decades, and the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. I’ve experienced the evolution of the entertainment industry firsthand, witnessing the rise and fall of artists, record labels, and trends. Through it all, I’ve remained steadfast, earning my place as one of the best scratch DJs from Africa.
Highlights of my career include being the first African DJ to compete at the DMC World DJ Championship, performing in over 35 countries, and working as the official DJ for Starboy Wizkid and Tiwa Savage. I’ve shared the stage with global icons like Ne-Yo, Keri Hilson, Akon, and countless other international superstars. Along the way, I’ve garnered numerous awards and nominations that affirm my contributions to the art of DJing.
Today, still on the 1cs and 2cs, i am also a music producer who makes song remixes and mashups also channeling my experience into mentoring the next generation of African DJs in Houston, Texas. If no one else will say it, I’ll say it myself: I am a legend—laughing, but serious.
Overcoming Challenges
No journey to greatness is smooth, and mine has been no exception. As I often say, “If anyone tells you it’s easy, that’s a setup!”
One of my biggest challenges was relocating from Lagos, my home base for over two decades, to the United States in 2016. While I may have made the transition look effortless, understanding the diverse cultures and musical tastes in the U.S. was no small feat. It took curiosity, adaptability, and a relentless drive to succeed.
Performing at gigs around the world is vastly different from settling into a new environment. Adjusting to life in a new country came with its hurdles, but I approached it with the same resilience that has defined my career.
Through these challenges, I’ve continued to grow and adapt, proving that the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Today, I remain committed to inspiring others, leaving an indelible mark on the global DJ scene, and cementing my legacy as a pioneer in African entertainment.
Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
What I’ve Been Up To Lately;
Since we last connected, the journey has been a whirlwind of growth, challenges, and exciting new opportunities. I’ve been focusing on expanding my influence both within and outside the DJing world, while staying true to my roots in music and mentorship.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my recent work has been mentoring up-and-coming African DJs here in Houston. Sharing my experience, teaching technical skills, and helping others navigate the music industry has given me a profound sense of purpose. It’s fulfilling to see the next generation of DJs rise with the confidence and skills to make their mark globally.
Professionally, I’ve been blessed with opportunities to collaborate with some incredible artists and brands like Empire Music, I’ve played at major events in London, Jamiaca, Barbados , blending cultural sounds with modern beats to create unforgettable experiences. My goal has always been to show the world what African DJs are capable of, and it’s inspiring to see the increasing appreciation for our craft.
Exciting Projects Ahead
Right now, I’m most excited about a couple of upcoming projects:
A New Music Project: I’m working on releasing a mix series that highlights the diversity of African and global sounds. It’s something I’ve been passionate about for a while—showcasing how music can transcend borders and connect people.
Expanding My Reach in Entertainment: Beyond DJing, I’ve been exploring opportunities in event production and entertainment consulting. I want to bring a fresh perspective to curating events that fuse culture, music, and innovation.
Lessons and Challenges
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing—relocating, building new networks, and staying relevant in a rapidly evolving industry require constant effort. One challenge has been balancing the creative aspects of my work with the business side. However, I’ve learned to embrace the grind, and every setback has taught me something valuable about resilience and adaptability.
What Keeps Me Going
What drives me is the desire to leave a legacy that’s bigger than music. I want to inspire others to chase their dreams, embrace their unique talents, and never stop evolving. The journey is far from over, and I’m excited about the endless possibilities the future holds.
I appreciate every opportunity to share my story, connect with audiences, and continue making an impact. Thank you for following my journey—there’s so much more to come!
We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?
- Favorite Movie: The Bee keeper, All Of Us Are DEAD, Back in Action, SupaCell, Extraction
- Favorite Book: The Silent Patient, The Song Of Achilles, The light We Lost.
- Favorite TV Show: The Night Agent, Devil’s Diner, Fake Profile, Beauty In Dark
- Favorite Band or Artist: Chris Brown, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and more.
- Sweet or Savory: Sweet
- Mountains or Beach: Beach
- Favorite Sport (to watch): Soccer abd Basket Ball
- Favorite Sport (to play): Soccer
- Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Yes, Soccer
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: System Engineer
- French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries
- Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Chuck Rhodes
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: Micky Mouse, Tom and Jerry
- Favorite Childhood movie: Tarzan
- Favorite Breakfast Food: Bread, Tea and Egg.
What would the perfect day look like for you? Please give us as many details as possible.
The Perfect Day
A perfect day for me starts early—around sunrise. I’d wake up feeling refreshed, with the sun streaming through my window and the energy of possibility in the air. After some quiet reflection, I’d kick off the day with a short workout and a healthy breakfast, maybe a smoothie or some fruit to set the tone right.
Once I’ve charged up, I’d dive into my creative work. For me, that means spending time in the studio. A morning session would be dedicated to mixing fresh beats, experimenting with sounds, and working on a project that excites me. Whether it’s a new DJ mix, a collaboration with an artist, or producing something original, I’d be in my element, letting the music flow.
By mid-morning, I’d switch gears and mentor a few aspiring DJs. Teaching others is something I love—it keeps me grounded and reminds me of why I started this journey in the first place. Sharing stories, technical skills, and giving advice about navigating the industry is always fulfilling.
Lunchtime would be simple and energizing—maybe some Nigerian jollof rice or a light dish with bold flavors. The meal would be paired with good conversation, either with friends or colleagues, because connecting with people fuels my creativity.
The afternoon would bring some excitement: maybe performing at a pop-up event or recording a live DJ set. I thrive in the energy of a crowd—feeling their vibe, seeing them lose themselves in the music, and knowing I’m creating memories they’ll carry with them.
As the evening approaches, I’d unwind with a walk in a park or by the water. This would be my time to reflect on the day, soak in the quiet moments, and let inspiration settle.
Dinner would be something celebratory, maybe with close friends or family. We’d laugh, share stories, and just enjoy being present with each other. Good vibes and gratitude would fill the air.
The perfect day would end with another creative burst—maybe finalizing a mix or brainstorming for the next big project. Before heading to bed, I’d take a moment to express gratitude, knowing that I got to live my passion and connect with the world in my own unique way.
And the cherry on top? Falling asleep with the excitement of tomorrow and the belief that the best is yet to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.djmekzy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djmekzy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djmekzy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-dike-02b97b23b/
- Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/djmekzy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/djmekzy
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/djmekzy
Image Credits
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