ሚኪያስ ቸርነት | Mikiyas Chernet

Basic Identity
- Real Name and Stage Name : Real Name: Mikiyas Chernet -- Stage Name: Mikiyas Chernet (he performs under his real name)
- Date and Place of Birth : Place of Birth: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Year of Birth: 1987 (approximate, based on available sources and interviews)
- Age / Current Age or Age at Death : As of 2025, Mikiyas Chernet is approximately 38 years old.
- Siblings : Publicly available information about Mikiyas Chernet’s siblings is currently limited or undisclosed in interviews and public appearances. No verifiable names are known.
- Background and Upbringing : Mikiyas grew up in a religious household in Addis Ababa and was introduced to gospel and spiritual music at an early age. He began singing in Sunday School choirs, which shaped his vocal skills and interest in spiritual expression through music. His early musical exposure was mainly through Ethiopian Orthodox and Protestant influences. His upbringing in the church has had a lasting impact on his lyrics, which often reflect faith, introspection, and cultural pride.

Career
- Career Start and Early Breakthrough : Mikiyas Chernet officially began his professional music career in the early 2000s, though he had been active in local church choirs and community events much earlier. His first breakthrough came after consistent performances in gospel and spiritual concerts across Addis Ababa. He initially gained recognition within Ethiopia’s urban gospel and socially conscious music scenes, which made space for his thoughtful lyrics and uniquely calm vocal tone. His ability to blend soul, traditional Ethiopian melodies, and modern arrangements helped him stand out.
- First Song / Breakthrough Hit : His breakthrough song is widely considered to be “Yetekolefebet Kibre”, which received significant play across spiritual and cultural platforms. Other early recognized songs include “Esuma” and “Tew Todaleh”, which were praised for their deep lyrical content and clean instrumentation. These tracks helped him build a solid following among fans of Ethiopian soul, acoustic, and gospel-influenced music.
- Major Milestones and Achievements : Mikiyas has released multiple well-received singles and is known for his powerful live performances, particularly during national holidays and cultural events. He gained a strong online following, especially after 2015, as his music began circulating widely on YouTube, Sewasew Media, and TikTok. His songs are known for spiritual introspection, cultural identity, and poetic storytelling, which set him apart in Ethiopia’s contemporary music scene. He has collaborated with respected Ethiopian musicians including Hewan Gebrewold and other spiritual vocalists. He’s recognized for staying away from commercial trends, instead focusing on timeless, message-driven content.
- Awards and Recognitions : While Mikiyas Chernet has not won major televised music awards, he has received strong recognition in spiritual and cultural communities. He has been invited to perform at prestigious events like “Ye Tsome Mahiber” gatherings, university cultural nights, and national spiritual forums. He is often mentioned in Ethiopian media as a leading voice in conscious and spiritual music.
- International Reach and Diaspora Performances : Mikiyas has not yet signed with any major international record label, but his music has gained traction among the Ethiopian diaspora, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Europe. His songs are frequently shared and celebrated among Habesha communities abroad, and he has been invited for virtual and live shows in international cultural programs. He remains largely independent but is considered one of the most respected spiritual musicians of his generation.
Albums
Tracks
Sam Aregatalew | Yene Deha | Eshi Ateyima |
Atchenanek | Degemigna | Yefikir Setota |
Girma Mogese Nesh | Abebsh Abeba | Meshetu Selam New |

Personal Life
- Relationship Status and Children : Mikiyas Chernet is a very private individual, but available sources indicate that he is married. His wife is not a public figure, and her name has not been disclosed in interviews or public records. He often references family values and marital commitment in his songs, implying a strong personal belief in long-term partnership and spiritual grounding. Yes, Mikiyas has children, though he rarely shares details about them in public. Names and ages of his children are not publicly known, as he avoids media exposure regarding his family life. In one interview, he emphasized the importance of raising his children with humility and cultural pride.
- Net Worth and Assets : Mikiyas Chernet’s estimated net worth is currently around 2.5 to 3 million Ethiopian Birr (approximately $45,000–$55,000 USD) as of recent rough industry estimates, based on his album sales, digital streaming income, and concert earnings. He owns a modest but modern home in Addis Ababa, reflecting his minimalist and faith-centered lifestyle. He is not known for flaunting luxury, but he reportedly drives a Toyota RAV4, commonly seen among Ethiopian middle-to-upper-class professionals. He has not publicly disclosed ownership of additional properties or high-end assets, preferring to maintain a grounded, low-profile public image. Mikiyas often channels his resources into gospel causes, church activities, and helping underprivileged youth, according to interviews and gospel event reports.
- Current Residence and Lifestyle : Mikiyas Chernet is currently based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He lives with his wife and children, in a quiet residential area known for housing other artists and professionals. Despite his growing recognition, he maintains a low-profile and spiritually disciplined lifestyle.
Business
- Business & Cultural Investment : Yes, Mikiyas Chernet is involved in faith-based business ventures, although not in a commercial or heavily profit-driven sense. He co-founded a Christian media platform called “Siloam Media”, which produces gospel music, video sermons, and inspirational content for Ethiopian audiences on YouTube and other digital channels. Mikiyas also runs a small studio used for both his projects and collaborations with other gospel musicians, helping young, emerging Christian artists record their music affordably. He has been linked to event organizing for Christian youth conferences and spiritual retreats, particularly through his church network, where he occasionally speaks or performs. Though he is not involved in traditional commercial businesses like fashion lines or real estate, his influence in the Ethiopian gospel industry functions as a unique niche platform that blends art, ministry, and modest business.
-SOURCES-
Arts TV
Amazon
Apple Music
Spotify
Ethio Zeima Music Blog
Selam Alat
Facebook
Instagram
Ethiopian Gospel Music Highlights
Telegram Music Channels