Ninu Nina Artist Interviews

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MARKII INTERVIEW

Markii born and raised between Ghana and Beirut, always had a strong connection and love for music as his brother was a DJ  back in the 90s.  This inspiration became a hobby when he began DJing and hosting small gigs and house parties. Once he moved to Dubai to pursue a career in media planning his musical taste turned to a more deep and funky sound. Markii eventually went public with his music thanks to the tremendous support from other djs and friends,  and currently has his Online radio show and  is booked for gigs almost every weekend since.

Today, his sound ranges from Deep Groovy house to Nu-Disco, Indie Dance, Deep-Techno, and Tech house.  The ability to adapt to any environment and different genres by understanding the crowd and showcasing the different styles of music is very important to him. Which is why he has been featured on several weekly local and international Radio shows and in most big clubs in Dubai including Trilogy (Madinat Jumeirah), Shocho (Dubai Marine), M-Dek (Media One hotel) , Rare (Media Rotana), 360 with Audiotonic (Jumeirah Beach hotel), Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, One on One (H Hotel) and warmed up for international djs Circoloco Dubai with System of Survival (DC 10) / Clive Henry / Richy Ahmed, Cadenza showcase with DJs Andrea Oliva and Ernesto Ferreyra, Lee Van Dowski (Cadenza), Chloe (Kill the DJ),and many more including one of my favorite venues, Art Lounge in Beirut.

Greatest inspirations or influence? My major influence was back in 1993 during the GU (Global Underground) days when Progressive house was the popular sound. Deep Dish was my inspiration back then and more recently a trip to Ibiza last September. The island and exposure to music there is just amazing.

Top 3 favorite summer tracks? Tough question!

  • If You Only Knew (Original Mix) - Finnebassen
  • Frisky (Original Mix) - Maceo Plex
  • I would have to say each and every track produced and released by local talents and labels.

Most memorable set so far? Honestly, every gig means a lot to me, be it 360 with Audiotonic; Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE; M-Dek at Media One hotel; Trilogy Souk Madinat Jumeirah; etc... and my gigs with Basement nights in Beirut. But if I have to choose,  one of the most memorable was my warmup for Clive Henry and Richy Ahmed (CiRcOLoCo Dubai) this past May. Music was phenomenal, amazing vibe in an environment where people really understood and could appreciate the music. I remember my slots were in between both DJs, so it gave me a chance to spin at different timings during the same night which was a great experience; it was also my birthday.

How is the music scene changing in the Middle East?

The scene here is not mature enough yet.  It has definitely improved with the existence of local talents  that are really working hard to keep on delivering good quality music. Another factor that is helping as well would be the well educated promoters that are finally showcasing big names and well known talent.

Favorite websites, blogs?

Anything else you want to share?

I would like to thank everyone that supported me so far, especially the promoters that keep on pushing and showcasing local talent...No need to mention them as they know who they are! FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/Markii.dj