In the heart of the Bronx, where the rhythms of the city echo through its streets, Naesketchie, a music maven with humble origins, has carved out a remarkable journey from the nightlife scene to entrepreneurship and music management. This is the story of a Dominican and Turkish talent whose determination to succeed was shaped by the pursuit of a better life for himself and his family.
Born and raised in the Bronx, Naesketchie began his career by promoting and hosting events and parties in uptown and the Bronx, often using his sister’s apartment as a venue. Charging a modest cover fee at the door allowed him to offset event expenses, creating a new stream of income. It was during these early days that he adopted the name “Nae,” a moniker derived from graffiti culture, and “Sketchie,” an ode to his graffiti artistry.
As he continued to make waves in the nightlife scene, Naesketchie’s social prowess and knack for fostering meaningful connections set him on a path that would eventually lead to a career as an entrepreneur and music manager. His extensive experience in the nightlife world enabled him to rub shoulders with local celebrities and influential DJs. It was during this time that he discovered a new talent within his own family—his niece, R&B artist Angelica Vila.
With a keen eye for opportunity, Naesketchie encouraged Angelica Vila to pursue a career in music. Together, they started creating and sharing music online, leveraging their connections in the nightlife industry to gain exposure. Angelica’s captivating voice soon garnered attention, with influential figures like Pretty Lou and Fat Joe taking notice. In a serendipitous studio session, Fat Joe’s cosign propelled Angelica to new heights, leading to a record deal with Roc Nation. Naesketchie continues to manage her career day to day.
Sketchie Entertainment, Naesketchie’s brainchild, has become a prominent player in the nightlife management scene. He believes in the power of the brand he has built over the years, a brand that symbolizes hard work and leadership. Rather than creating a separate entity for his record label, he chose to keep the name Sketchie Entertainment, a testament to his dedication to his roots.
The foundation of Naesketchie’s success in the entertainment industry lies in his deep involvement in nightlife. His role as a promoter allowed him to develop strong relationships with DJs and artists, making it easier to get their support when promoting Angelica’s music. The nightlife scene provided a platform for his entrepreneurial spirit to flourish.
Despite his success in nightlife and music management, Naesketchie had long harbored a dream of launching his clothing line. Named “Mazco,” a creative fusion of the Spanish word for frog (“maco”) and elements representing water, fire, and sun, the brand stands for life and beauty. His dedication to Mazco is palpable as he expands its product line, offering ski masks, face masks, hats, printed shirts, and jackets.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the nightlife industry, forcing Naesketchie to adapt and focus on alternative ventures like Mazco. With the absence of live events and parties, he found ways to keep pushing forward, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, Naesketchie remains committed to his niece’s career, the nightlife, and the flourishing Mazco brand. While he contemplates exploring the world of stocks, his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but profound: believe in your brand, take the leap, and adapt as needed. The journey may require investment and patience, but the rewards of longevity are worth the effort. Naesketchie’s story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination and unwavering belief in one’s vision.
