Straight Official Sit Downs Archives - Straight Official Magazine

Straight Official Sit Downs: Mako Girls

on December 9, 2024 Artist Interviews Straight Official Sit Downs add comment

The MAKO Girls are a pop and R&B trio from Atlanta, Georgia, consisting of sisters Mimi, A-Ni, and Kena Ochoa, who are of West Indian descent. They officially began their music journey in 2013, inspired by acts like TLC and Mindless Behavior. Over the years, they’ve developed a strong reputation as performers, participating in more than 300 shows across the U.S. and internationally, including appearances in the Bahamas, London, and Jamaica.

Known for their energy, creativity, and drive, they also host an annual event called the MAKO Girls Carnival Glow Party, which showcases emerging artists. Their entrepreneurial spirit extends to partnerships with major brands such as Beats by Dre, Nike, and Sony Music. They have a significant online presence, with over 1.4 million TikTok followers.

The group’s recent releases include the EP Lvls To This and the singles “Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout You” and “Outside,” which dropped in August 2023. Their music emphasizes themes of confidence, empowerment, and fun. They’re currently focusing on expanding their reach through new music, live performances, and fan engagement.

They are currently pushing new music out and they are preparing for their 2025 year with so many major moves that will be taking place for the Mako Girls. In addition, they’re also preparing for their Annual Glow Party they will have in April of next year 2025. Stay tuned because these young ladies are on the move!

TAP IN WITH THE MAKO GIRLS

DJ Pynk Dyamond sat down to speak to the Mako Girls to find out what they have been doing this year. Pynk met the Mako Girls last year 2023 from TikTok and engaged in a conversation with management and they are her new favorite girl group. They also performed as headliners for the Virginia Fleet DJs first Music Conference and they have been linked since then.

Check out the full interview down below. Pynk has selected the hot single “Ain’t Thinking Bout You” and you can check out the music video down below! Let us know down in the comments what you think.

#GetSOM via @djpynkdyamond & click here for more emerging artists!

Straight Official Sit Downs: Tona

on November 8, 2024 Artist Interviews Straight Official Sit Downs add comment

TONA sat down with our own DJ Pynk Dyamond of Straight Official Magazine affiliated with The World Wide Fleet DJs Coalition to discuss his new

Straight Official Sit Downs: DJ Willybangz

on November 8, 2024 Interviews Straight Official Sit Downs TenthLetterMedia add comment

GET TO KNOW DJ WILLYBANGZ DJ WillyBangz is a well-known DJ from New York City who's active in both the mixtape scene and radio broadcasting.

Straight Official Sit Downs: Jon Connor

on October 17, 2024 Artist Interviews add comment

MEET JON CONNOR Jon Freeman, J.O.N. Connor, often known simply as Jon Connor, is a rapper and producer from Flint, Michigan. Connor gained prominence for

Straight Official Sit Downs: Money Thirsty Jay

on June 9, 2024 Artist Interviews TenthLetterMedia add comment

MONEY THIRSTY JAY is up next for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs where we spotlight emerging artists. @TenthLetterMedia served up the questions and

Straight Official Sit Downs: Afro Preachah

on February 7, 2024 Artist Interviews TenthLetterMedia add comment

AFRO PREACHAH stopped by our headquarters for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs where we spotlight emerging artists. @TenthLetterMedia got the opportunity to chop it up with him this time and the vibe was dope! Check out their one-on-one down below and click here for more Straight Official Sit Downs.

Q&A WITH AFRO PREACHAH

Introduce yourself. Tell us where you are from and what first interested you in the entertainment industry?

They call me Afro Preachah. I was born in Kansas City, KS and grew up in Missouri before moving to Minnesota. The name was given to me by my producer friend Griff. What interested me was watching music videos from Run DMC, Public Enemy, Morris Day, Bootsy Collins.

Who or what inspires you to create?

My first inspiration was my father and grandfather. Both are preachers. Growing up in church. The rhythm of music in general. Music, words and rhythm have been on auto play my whole life.

How would you describe your sound?

I would say it’s a fusion of then and now. Old and new. Hip-Hop, Funk, R&B, Soul and sounds of Gospel. So folks call is “Sexy Chuuch music”. It makes me laugh.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

Tell us about your creative process. What are your go-to’s for a session?

I like to just vibe out in my mancave when I get the music from my producers. Play video games, watch anime, smoke one. Surround myself with art. I basically “Nerd Out” (laughs).

What artists would you like to collaborate with?

Artists I’m a fan of.include Morris Day, Tech N9ne, Trinidad James, MC Lyte, Chris Brown, 69 Boys & Bootsy Collins.

The music is for you & them, not me. The real grassroot. I’m just the vessel. I could never say thank you enough. Living my dream to do music for folks that want it is a true blessing. Gratitude.
Afro Preachah’s words to his fans

LET’S SHIFT GEARS

What’s a skill/talent that you possess that no one knows about?

I practice five different forms of Kung-Fu & Martial Arts.

If not for music, where would you be in life right now?

That’s a great question. I’ll have to ask God and get back to you on that one.

If you could change the music industry in any way, what would you change and why?

Well, in a dream I had all labels support all artists from an independent artist aspect. Why that change? Speaking for myself, I’m an LLC. Yes, I’m an artist but business comes first. So, presenting any kind of business that would hurt personally is off the table.

Important things artists should know. How to balance their checkbooks, understanding sync licensing to running your independent artist website. Labels offer real music business education. In these past years in my opinion, we’ve had why to many negative outcomes in our African American entertainment community. Label can make just as much money by educating their artists to own themselves. Then I woke up! (laughs)

WRAPPING IT UP

Do you have a new project out? If so, tell us more about it and where we can hear it.

Yes, actually a couple projects. “Watch Me” produced by @Lstmusic and “Rap Caviar” by @flamesquadDJMC. You can stream, download and watch video on www.afropreachah.com

Give us your final words. Let us know where we can follow on social media.

You can find me @afropreachah YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X. For all the content that doesn’t make it to social media go to www.afropreachah.com and subscribe.