Makeba Riddick
From day one, Makeba Riddick knew that music would be her ultimate destiny. At a very young age, her family discovered that the future singer/songwriter had a talent that could not be ignored. In a recent interview, Riddick recalled, “When I was two years old, before my family knew I could talk, my aunt realized I could sing. She would let me perform for her friends who were amazed by this singing baby.”
And amazing is what she has proven herself to be in the short time she has been writing. Upon graduating from the Baltimore School of Performing Arts, Makeba attended Berklee College of Music in Boston where she received her Bachelor’s degree in music business management with a minor in songwriting. Shortly thereafter, she moved to New York City where she began honing her skills as a songwriter, eventually gaining the attention of Bad Boy Music Publishing VP Francesca Spero.
It wasn’t long before Makeba found herself writing and even singing background vocals for artists such as 3LW, Jennifer Lopez and B2K. One of her first successful songs was “All I Have” by Jennifer Lopez and by the end of 2002, Makeba was officially signed to Bad Boy Music Publishing/EMI Music Publishing.
In the last five years, Makeba has co-written several hit songs, including “Déjà Vu” by Beyoncé, “Do What You Do” by Katharine McPhee and “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want” by Rihanna.
A young woman with a wealth of talent that sets her apart, Makeba’s dream of becoming a solo artist should soon be a reality.
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