Today we’d like to introduce you to Pedro DJ Mendez.
Hi Pedro DJ, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
So music has been part of my life from before i was even conceived. Both grandparents on my mothers side have musical talent. So from learning to play various musical instruments to breaking both wrists we went from having musical ease to not even understanding what to do next. Eventually a friend asked me to DJ their wedding as their DJ had last minute canceled. in 1999 move forward to 2006 and a local DJ took me under his wing to help me understand basics of actually djing and not just pushing buttons. They say dreams do come true and well from playing around to headlining concerts festivals the journey has been an amazing life opportunity. However I felt like something was missing.. A local Club owner invited me to play on his radio show as a guest. Little did i know it would go from a guest to producing the show winning a few awards and making it a staple in the city. Unfortunately covid hit and well dreams came to an end as we did stay closed longer than most in my area. During all of this a move of city came about due to work opportunities. During all of this radio and djing took a seat in the back. Many of us miss what we do and the spark hit as we went on to Twitch thanks to my sons encouragement. With success on twitch and getting to E-meet so many wonderful DJs and entertainers. The opportunity arose to rekindle old friendships and doors opening in the city of Toronto. We went from nothing to busy weekends but still no radio. We knocked on doors at all local stations and no response ot the classy you are too urban or don’t fit with out platform. Being Latino has had its moments to say well im not just a Latino but im also here to make your crowd happy. Work contract was up so heading home was an option. One of my closest friends sat me down and asked what my next step was going to be as he noticed I was unhappy at the time. He began the process to find out what to do to run and own a radio station. With his push I decided to call my previous station manager. With colorful language and a touch of ignorance all I received was a cold closed slammed door. This made me rethink and say well its time to stop and let it go. However life has its ways to put you on your path. In February 2023 I decided it was time to move back to Ottawa. My friends in Toronto took me out for dinner and gave me more of an intervention than anything else. One friend literally paid and put me into a self improvement course another helped me snap out of the negativity and my closest and tour mc said to me. Stop making others rich and popular. It’s time for you to do for you. in March before I applied for the online radio permits to get licensing and all the required information to have a legal online radio station. Between moving and receiving all the requirements the move was set for April 2023. Unfortunately though in May some new pains and unexpected moments of being unable to speak began to happen. I had been diagnosed with a tumor that potentially was cancerous and it is wrapped around my vocal chords. Thankfully after biopsy and treatment on Sept, 15, 2026 the specialist said with a glimmer of hope” sir you may return to radio and your life”. With tears and my sister by my side it was an emotional rollercoaster. You see during the entire treatment and even during the operation process I didn’t give up I still worked when i could on getting things setup and having my sisters and son encouraging me on a daily helped the entire process. My sister woke up at 5am on Sept, 16th to me crying full of emotion as we were live on air. Radio Que Rico was not just a dream but a reality. Since then we keep working hard and pushing to be a staple and piler for our community. Mendez Entertainment continues to provide audio and lighting services not jus to weddings but festivcals, night clubs and wherever we are needed. Que Rico Talent Agency has a few artists now signed up and more to come. All this and still more to accomplish before my time here is done. I do have to Thank God and my family for always pushing me for more and as the team would say that need for our own unique clarity and leadership.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As mentioned the cancer scare was def. one of the hardest struggles, but going through divorce, Having 3 children being a single dad (thank God for my siblings and parents if not solo Dios sabe) Yes struggles but bridges that molded and taught to appreciate. step by step and every moment. Being from Ottawa Canadas Capital puts us in an areas some times that people forget or don’t acknowledge. Bing between Toronto and Montreal 2 major cities and entertainment hubs on planet earth tend to bring challenges of their own.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So in 2023 we faced the ever fun yet annoying moment to say who we are. Well with the small team of 3 back then we decided that we had to be known not just as a small local online station but we wanted to stand side by side the major players. I’m very proud to work with the team we have, some have come and gone other linger in the shadows. Growing isn’t easy but Radio Que Rico has given launching platforms for some, others mentored into their best version of them, broken fears and grown talents. We have gone from our little corner in my apartment to Having out own studio warehouse. in 2025 and 2026 Radio Que Rico was a finalist in the Canadian Choice awards for best Radio station. Our biggest recognition have come from the community thought. Ottawa Community Votes lets the community itself vote for their favorite amongst all in the city. in 2025 Both Radio Que Rico and Mendez Entertainment won Gold in their perspective categories, Now as a complete surprise to us recently August 5.2026 we were given the Platinum Award for Best Radio station in the City of Ottawa.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love our city I love as a whole. The diversity the beauty of cultural uniqueness. The humble people yet less and less but def. still home. Dislike well I believe I’m like anyone else in any city around the world. We all want safer streets respect and cleanliness. But please do not take away our beautiful green spaces, our big city presence and small town love. Its who Ottawa is.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.radioquerico.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radioquerico/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Q2NVqRT5A/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@radioquerico
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/djmendezottawa/
