DJ Mika Abraham Talks Career, African Pride & Popularity of Afrobeat in U.K.

Gameli Hamelo September 23, 2014

Mika Abraham

U.K.-born Ghanaian Mika Abraham (pictured) has gone on to become the radio presenter/DJ/voice-over artist she has always wanted to be.

SEE ALSO: Meet Ghanaian Fashion Publicist Faith Ocloo 

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Growing up, she showed early signs of wanting to chart a path in broadcasting, with her fascination of how presenters and DJs interacted with their listeners.

And while Mika’s first choice of a career was to be a historian — she initially wanted to study African/Black history  — her love for radio took center stage.

Currently, the 22-year-old has been doing radio for six years, working with Choice FM, Rinze FM, and Reprezent FM.

In the coming months, she will be operating her own radio show, which the public can access through her website.

Mika Abraham

Abraham has also deejayed at art festivals, including Wireless, Love Box, Brick Lane, Acoustic Live UK, and at fashion PR parties.

In addition, her voiceover clients include BBC Three, Channel 4, BBC Blast, E4, and Urban Development.

And as the face of “Heart & Soul U.K.,” Abraham hosts a monthly event, where an artist performs a live acoustic set for their fans and then has an intimate chat about music and life.

Of her most-memorable moments in her career so far, Abraham says, “Hosting a stage at one of the biggest festivals in the UK (Glastonbury) — just the fact that I was chosen to represent London was amazing, which helped elevate me in to the mainstream side of the industry.”

“Also being acknowledged by the Ghanaian High Commissioner His Excellency Kwaku Danso Boafo for my work in the creative industry,” she recounts.

“Everybody around me knows that I’m always waving the flag for Ghana whenever I do anything, so for him to notice my work within the community made me feel like everything I’m doing is not in vain.”

Ghanaian DJ, Black, Tim Westwood, Angie Martinez, and Delay (Deloris Frimpong Manso) are media personalities who inspire Abraham to aim for the very best in her career.

As for how Afrobeat music is performing on U.K. charts, Abraham says, “You have the likes of Sarkodie, Atumpan, Fuse ODG, Mista Silva, and more being played on mainstream radio in the U.K. People who are not Africans are listening and reciting their lyrics. This is amazing. You also have Ghanaian artists being flown [in] to perform at sold-out shows and festivals. GH music is on the rise in the U.K.”

Who are her favorite Ghanaian musicians?

“My favorite definitely has to be Joey B; his approach to music is fresh and new. His verses are host. He also knows how to work the stage, which I love. Big things are definitely coming his way. I love FOKN BOIS as well: their artistry is captivating and unique.”

Abraham has a diploma in Media and Broadcast Journalism and is currently pursuing a degree in Events Management at Greenwich University. Explaining what’s next in her career, she says, “My future plans include crossing over in to the Ghanaian/African industry and definitely go to Ghana and do radio. I will be launching some new projects that will be coming out soon on YouTube and hopefully African TV networks this year. I will be launching my official website and releasing an official mix as well. I’m really excited about that, just working toward creating a strong brand and being the young voice of Ghana.”

Watch Abraham on “Heart & Soul” here:

 

SEE ALSO: Meet Ghanaian-Kenyan Digital Strategist Saiton Righa 

 

Last Edited by:Abena Agyeman-Fisher Updated: September 23, 2014

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