ALL-GIRLS SCHOOL

Haleluya TekleTsadik: I can say that Nativity Girls School was the foundation for my music career. Learning in an all-girls school has given me the confidence to go on stage and perform. We grew up supporting each other with a strong sisterhood that could not have been found anywhere else. We are still in each other's lives.

IDOLS

Michael Jackson was the first performer I saw on TV when I was seven years old. His stage freedom made me want to become a musician. I used to hum the soundtrack for his music 'Thriller' without studying the lyrics in my early years. Aster Aweke and Asnakech Worku are my idols. The admiration I have for Asnakech started off because my great-grandmother used to listen to her songs. Over the years, I grew to love everything about her. The fact that she was a self-taught Kirar player with a lyrical ability, her raspy voice and the authentic way she led her life inspire me. She was truly an artist.

FIRST ALBUM

My first solo album Tewedaj was made straight from my heart. It was where I found myself as an artist, playing songs that I was comfortable with. I did the melody for all the tracks and participated in some of the lyrics. I released it through my own YouTube channel which had 500 subscribers. Despite the limited reach, I did that to create a brand on my own platform as a solo artist. The feedback was honestly over my expectations. My channel has now reached more than 17,000 subscribers and even more views.

FANBASE

It is hard to pinpoint a specific age group that enjoys my music. I meet fans that are in the lower age group and sometimes people tell me their parents enjoy listening to my music. I love that it is not restricted; it tells me that I am doing something right.

TYPICAL HOLIDAY

Whether I am at home with my husband, family or out on a tour, I am the kind of person who wakes up early in the morning for holidays, put on a Habesha dress and cheers everyone up for the festivity.

UPBRINGING

Most people presume to think that I come from the Somali Regional State because I speak the language. I was born and raised in Addis Abeba around the Bole Michael area where the Somali culture was prominent. I never got the chance to visit, although I want to. But I feel like the culture and lifestyle are imprinted in me because I spent most of my childhood with people from the area, speaking the language and listening to their songs. I have even performed one song on the stage.

OFF THE MIC

I love watching movies when I am at home. Thriller movies give me chills and I am here for it. But I also enjoy watching sitcoms; Friends is my favourite, I know most of the dialogue.