Ray Okpara (DE)

The first thing that strikes you about Ray Okpara is that he's an overwhelmingly nice guy with what seems like time for everybody but behind the big smile and wiley dreads is one of house music's most serious producer/djs. Despite coming to prominence during the media's 2008 obsession with Frankfurt/Mannheim via releases on Cecille, Oslo, Get Physical and Area Remote, Okpara has been instrumental in Germany's flourishing house scene for well over a decade. Initially taking to the decks to play his close friend Johnny D's UK Garage records in the mid-90's, Okpara quickly found his groove and by the time the pair started their RAJO club night a fervent dedication to all things house engulfed the young Nigerian. In 2001 Nick Curly joined the team and the night began it's residency at The Loft in Mannheim – becoming the seed what has since become one of the strongest house music family trees in Europe.