Big Dollar Bruce: From Mereki to top MC
THERE are individuals who have mastered the art of emceeing, establishing themselves as super brands on the local entertainment scene.
While DJs are experts in selecting and mixing music for merrymakers, MCs are the voice that spices up the whole experience, establishing communication with the audience and hyping up the music being played.
The voices behind the microphone on the club scene, mix-tapes and even on stage have over the years become more influential that the personality behind the decks.
One such individual whose star has been shinning bright as an MC is Platinum Entertainment’s larger than life character, Big Dollar Bruce, real name Bruce Mereki.
The popularity of Motor Action Sundays has catapulted the MC to the next level, with revellers warming up to his antics behind the mic, being the main host of these sessions.
Combining humour with his commentary, one might easily mistake the MC for a stand-up comic. Not one to hold back any punches, the MC has gained notoriety for throwing punches at his rivals or anyone who might have crossed his path, with one of his most popular taglines being “If you don’t like us, we don’t like you too”.
From fashion policing duties to being the judge and jury of the dance floor, Big Dollar has become an influential figure in the urban cultural sphere.
While Spencer Madziya is the money and face behind Platinum Entertainment, Big Dollar is the voice that gives it its vibrancy.
The Sunday Mail Leisure had a chat with Big Dollar and he shared his story to stardom.
Entertainment has always been in his veins, considering that his uncle, Irvine Mereki, popularised one of the biggest hangout joints in the capital, kwa Mereki.
Growing up in the high density suburb of Warren Park, Big Dollar has always possessed a hustler’s mentality.
“Since I was a young boy, I have always believed that you should not rely on hand-outs but rather you have to work for your money,” said Big Dollar.
“This is the reason why after I finished high school, rather than sitting at home, I decided to start my own hustle.”
Music was however not his first port of call, starting off as a tout for Mereki’s braai masters.
“At first I was just looking for customers for Mai Gringo, a popular braai master at Mereki shops but as time went on I also mastered the art of grilling meat and also became a braai master at the spot.”
The more time he spent at the entertainment haven, the more he developed a passion for becoming an entertainer.
He tried his luck in acting at one point but his true calling turned out to be in the DJ and MC arena.
The MC acquired a loan from his uncle and started putting together his music library.
He got opportunities to play and MC with the likes of Judgment Yard, Badboy Family, Rebel Salute and other sounds but failed to really make an impact.
The formation of Platinum Entertainment in 2012 proved to be the turning point in his career as the entertainment initiative blossomed to become a household name.
Their short stint at Beer Engine and later Sphinx saw Big Dollar establish himself as a top-notch MC.
“I remember when we started doing sessions at Beer Engine, there weren’t many people coming through during the first days but as time went on they realised that Platinum Entertainment was a force and they started coming in their numbers.
“We then moved to Sphinx, which was more of an upmarket joint but I still managed to hold my own behind the mic and managed to blend in with the new surroundings,” said Big Dollar.
Having played in the high density joints, downtown joints and upmarket venues, the MC has over the years equipped himself with the appropriate diction to cater for different audiences.
“While we were still based at Sphinx, we came up with the idea to start doing Sunday hangout sessions at Motor Action Sports Club. At first it would just be the Platinum family and a few of our friends chilling and listening to music but then the movement started growing and we have been attracting thousands of people every Sunday.”
Last year, Platinum Entertainment opened an exclusive joint, The Volt, where the Book Café was situated and this has become the new home for Big Dollar Bruce.
Being the resident MC at the club which attracts a diverse crowd due to its extensive programing, Big Dollar’s stock continues to rise.
“While many people would like to think that I have already made it, I believe this is just the beginning because I am working hard to make sure that I continue to grow in the industry.”
Meanwhile, Platinum Entertainment boss, Spencer Madziya will be hosting the third leg of his birthday celebrations at Motor Action Sports Club tonight.
The three day birthday extravaganza kicked off on Friday with an exclusive black-tie party at the Volt, which continued the following day as he hung out with family and close friends.
Dubbed “Fill up Motor Action”, today’s party is set to be a thrilling event, with a strong line-up of artistes such as Stunner, Legend Elly, Marcus Mafia, Raydizz, Dee Nosh, Ash Styles, Nivek, Stansplash, Judgement Yard, Sniper Storm, Legendary Sound, DJ Rax, Candyman and Fugee.
Motor Action Sundays have been attracting thousands of merrymakers.