Arike

Arike is a multi-talented phenomenon whose resume includes music, theatre, television/commercials and film. With a strong, soulful voice and an accomplished dance/music career already under her belt, Arike is sure to take the entertainment industry by storm. Born in Los Angeles to two parents in the dance/music industry, Arike has had her eye on the prize since she was 6 years old. “My first memory of really wanting to pursue a career in the entertainment industry was when I was 6. My mom and I were living in Switzerland, she was performing with a local modern dance company and I sat through all of her rehearsals. I just remember being amazed at the whole energy of it all and so, I told my mom that I wanted to dance. And, when we returned to the states after about a year and a half, she enrolled me in classes.” Within her very first visit to Lula Washington’s Contemporary Dance Theatre, she was asked to audition and later join the company. During this time she began to try her luck at the other arts and started acting. Her unique look and charismatic personality landed her countless commercials (three Barbie commercials, Pedia-Care, Marshall’s, Yellow Pages, etc.), while her innate ability to act and dance allowed her many more opportunities. It was because of this uncommon combination that she broke into the music scene. “My career in music started the day that I was called on an audition for a little girls group called “Voices”. Tia and Tamera Mowry had just been dropped from the group and the managers were looking to replace them. Not only was I completely unprepared for the audition, I had no vocal experience whatsoever! It was a complete joke to my sister, my mom and I because I really didn’t stand a chance, but I’m a trooper so, I auditioned anyway and ended up making it because of my ‘potential’.” Voices experienced a considerable amount of success. Their single “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” reached to the top 20 on the Billboard charts, their album “Just the Beginning” sold over 200,000 units and Arike was able to travel and experience a life not afforded to most. “Consequently, it was ‘the group’ that influenced me to continue to pursue music after breaking up a year later. The other girls in the group used to make fun of me all of the time. They would tease me and say that I was skinny and that I couldn’t sing. And, because I didn’t have much confidence, especially in my voice, I couldn’t really dispute that so, I asked my mom for a karaoke machine and some tapes for Christmas and I started rehearsing everyday for two hours or longer. I practiced mimicking the greats: Celine, Mary J., Coko from SWV, Whitney, etc. Then I started training my ear for harmonies. I would listen to arrangements and test myself to find additional notes. Eventually my voice began to strengthen and mature and God created a strong talent in me because of my dedication and diligence.” Even though Voices had disbanded, their manager was intent on working with Arike so, she formed the group “Before Dark” around her adding Mia (the manager’s daughter) and Jeni (Arike’s sister). After being signed to the now defunct Urban division of RCA Records the girls put out “Daydream” with collaborations from Shek’speare, Red Zone, Lil’ Mo, Clark Kent, Kandi, to name a few and opened for Christina Augilera’s 2000 Tour with Destiny’s Child. “Before Dark was a really great experience for me. Fundamentally, we were the best girl group ever. There was no drama between us, we were working on an album, touring, doing interviews, etc. all while physically attending high school and college so, you know we were hard working and dedicated, we were all attractive and were triple threats. But, sometimes no matter how hard you try, things may not work out. We had a great time together, but we had so many hurdles to jump. It’s almost as if we were prevented from doing well.” Even with the trials, “Before Dark” charted number 7 on the Billboard’s R&B/Hip-hop Sales Chart and were widely recognized for their single “Monica”. After having taken some time off for school (Arike studied English at Cal State University, Los Angeles), Arike decided that it was time for a reprisal to her former passion: dance. She has not given up on music, but hopes that her dancing career will only bring her closer to her ultimate dream of being a superstar entertainer. “First and foremost, I am a performer. It’s like an itch or better yet an ache inside me that can’t be relieved until I’m on the stage. I love to sing but when it seemed like everything I was trying wasn’t working I knew I needed another way.another outlet.” Even though Arike’s dancing career is a bit premature she has already experienced the successes of a seasoned professional. She’s been able to work with artists such as Missy Elliot, Ashanti, Fergie, Amerie, Kelly Rowland, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Puff Daddy, Mary J., Ludacris, Black Eyed Peas, Toni Braxton, amongst others. She continues to write music and record in hopes that her big break isn’t far off. “I have dreams bigger than most and I know that means that my preparation is more extensive than most. But I truly believe that God wouldn’t have made me what I am if he didn’t want me to do something with it so, I’m in it for the long haul! And, I hope that when I do finally ‘make it’ I will be able to remember this moment exactly as it is.this moment of slight desperation and hunger and diligence and necessity.because it will remind me of the humility and struggle that it took to get to my blessing.” ***please look out for arike in dreamgirls, as well as, hairspray both out on dvd!!