Born in Guyana and raised in New Jersey, Malaika "Mecca" Burke is a multidisciplinary artist who has been living in New Orleans for the past 13 years. She graduated from New Jersey City University in 2009 with a Major in Media Arts and Minor in Illustration.

Burke owns and operates Hell or High Water Tattoo, where she has made a home for herself and family of dynamic artists. She is also co-owner of Arteiras Gallery, a female-run art gallery and boutique that holds monthly showcases for up-and-coming local artists.