Malaika “Mecca” Burke is a distinguished Guyanese-American multidisciplinary artist based in New Orleans since 2009. Originally hailing from Georgetown, Guyana, she immigrated to East Orange, NJ, with her family at the age of four. Mecca holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts with a minor in Illustration from New Jersey City University, which she completed in 2009.

Her initial engagement with New Orleans began as a volunteer with Common Ground in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. This experience fostered a deep admiration for the city and its rich cultural landscape, prompting her to relocate to further her artistic career. Currently, Mecca is the owner and operator of Hell or High Water Tattoo located in the Central Business District (CBD) of New Orleans.

While she is primarily known for her work as a tattoo artist, Mecca also explores various artistic mediums, including watercolor and acrylic painting. Her artistic expression reflects themes of fluidity and movement, with a particular fascination for religious iconography, portraiture, and the intersection of nature.