Bridging cultures and igniting dance floors—these are the two worlds that Levhan Helmut Marks, also known as DJ Marko, navigates daily. Born and raised in Dubai for 36 years, Levhan embodies a unique blend of German and Filipino heritage, coupled with a deep understanding of Arabic culture, which he speaks fluently. His story is a vivid illustration of how cultural diversity can be a wellspring of creativity and resilience.
This linguistic skill is just one facet of his multifaceted life. By day, Levhan serves as a Customer Service Officer at the Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding, specifically at the iconic Jumeirah Mosque. By night, he transforms into DJ Marko, bringing life to various venues across the city with his electrifying music and charismatic microphone presence.
Levhan’s journey has not been without its challenges. As a child, he harbored dreams of becoming a wrestler, football player, or even a rollerblader. However, it was dancing that first captured his heart before he found his true calling in DJing.
“I was the kind of person who learned from nothing to something,” he shares with The Global Filipino Magazine, underscoring the hard work and dedication he poured into his craft. His DJ career was on an upward trajectory until the COVID-19 pandemic struck, causing a significant setback.
“It was tough,” he admits, “and I had to make a diversion into becoming a customer service officer at the Cultural Center where I’m currently employed. So far, it’s been a blast!”
Despite the challenges, Levhan finds immense joy in his dual roles. As a Customer Service Officer, he interacts with a diverse array of visitors who come to explore the mosque.
“What I enjoy most about my current job is that every day I get to interact with different kinds of people who want to visit the mosque I work at,” he shares. This role allows him to bridge the gap between cultures, providing insights into the rich traditions of Dubai, which differ significantly from his German and Filipino roots.
When the sun sets, Levhan switches gears to his DJ persona, a role he describes as pure joy.
“I enjoy being a DJ because it’s something I do to make people have fun, dance, and sing along to the songs I play,” he explains. His ability to energize a crowd is enhanced by his skillful use of his voice, not just his music, to create a memorable experience for everyone present.
Being a German-Filipino raised in Dubai has offered Levhan a unique perspective on cultural adaptability. “The best thing about it is that it’s very easy to adapt to the different cultures here,” he says, reflecting on his life in the Middle East. This adaptability has served him well, not only in his professional life but also in overcoming personal struggles.
Levhan’s journey has not always been smooth. For 15 years, he faced a deeply challenging period, which he describes as a “very dark hole.” However, his faith and belief in the possibility of better days kept him going. “Nothing is impossible as long as you believe in it,” he asserts, offering a message of hope and resilience to others who may be going through tough times.
Looking ahead, Levhan plans to stay in Dubai for the foreseeable future, with some exciting plans in the works. He prefers to let his actions speak louder than words but hints at his desire to help others grow as well.
To his fellow Filipinos abroad, Levhan offers this advice: “Be strong, believe in yourself, have a small circle, and be with the right kind of people who want to be around you, work with you, and collaborate with you. Because being around the wrong people is enough to bring you down. As long as you’re in the right circle, the rest will follow. I’m speaking from experience, and of course, salute to those who believed in me! They know who they are.”
In addition to his day job and DJing, Levhan has also made his mark in other areas. He has twice joined Tag 91.1 Filipino Radio Station’s “RJ for A Day” contest, becoming a Top 11 finalist, and won the title of “Urban Buildz DJ Battle” Champion in 2019 in Abu Dhabi. His talents continue to shine at Dubai’s “Pwestuhan,” an upcoming Filipino resto-bar in Al Rigga.
This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 3 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.