Mikaya Behailu, born on May 30, 1977, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was a celebrated Ethiopian singer and songwriter known for her unique contributions to the country’s music scene. She pursued her early education at Bethlehem and Abyot Kirs schools before enrolling at Addis Ababa University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethiopian Language, Literature, and Culture Communication in 2004. Following her graduation, she worked as a teacher at institutions such as the School of Tomorrow and Addis International. Despite her professional career in education, her deep passion for music remained a driving force in her life.
In 2007, Mikaya released her debut album, Shemametew, featuring eleven songs that blended Ethiopia’s rich traditional music with modern elements. She wrote most of the songs herself, with a few collaborations with renowned producer Elias Melka. The album was well received, establishing her as a rising star in Ethiopian music and earning her a nomination for the prestigious Kora Music Award in 2009. Her ability to merge deep, poetic lyrics with captivating melodies set her apart and solidified her reputation in the industry.
