Meet Emeka Dike

Emeka, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The journey started back in ’96, like many popular African entertainers, in church. I’ve always been musically inclined and was a kick ass drum player in the church. I later became a member of a band, consisting of some congregants of the same age and musical mindset. we were called The Royal Youths. we played at so many churches and events and just generally just enjoyed making music with the band.

I decided to explore deeper into my love for music, so I worked as a studio assistant [what is labelled loosely as Studio Rat] at one of the studios in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1998. that’s where i met one of Nigerian top DJ and watching him do tricks and mix songs on the turntable really caught my attention and I was hypnotized.

then formed a friendly/brotherly relationship with Snoop Damager and he kinda tutored and directed my DJing abilities.

Enrolling into higher institution was a turning point in my journey, as I had a level of independence and had to claw my way up the chain of college entertainment. and believe me, back then University Of Lagos was the forefront of churning out superstars, with the likes of Eldee and the whole Trybesmen, Darey, Denrele and so many other artistes, models and actors that shaped the Nigerian entertainment industry.

I stamped my presence and authority as a formidable DJ, playing at virtually every college event back in the day and that’s where I gained my first wave of popularity and stardom.

Two decades down the line, I’ve seen it all; artistes, record labels, executives, fashion, and trends come and go, I’m one of the best scratch DJs out of Africa, the first African DJ at the DMC World DJ Championship, played in over 35 countries, was official DJ for Starboy Wizkid, was also official DJ for Tiwa Savage, I’ve performed on the same stage as NeYo, Keri Hilson, Akon and numerous international artistes and received tons of DJ awards and nominations!

I’m currently mentoring a lot of African DJs in the city of Houston. if no one will say it, I’ll say it for myself: I am a Legend. lol.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No journey to the top is smooth. and if “anybody tell you its easy, that would be a setup”. lol.

My major challenge would be moving from Lagos, the city where i’ve done majority of my work and has been my base for about 2 decades, to the United States.

though it’d seem like I came to the States and fit right in, understanding the variety of cultures and their taste of music was a challenge I didn’t make obvious. and I was able to surmount that challenge with my curiosity and inquisitiveness for music.

also, playing at gigs around the world isn’t exactly the same as settling in another part of the world. and that was a challenge too; settling in, the change of environment. this was also a bit of challenge.