When recording artist MIKE-E merged Hip-hop, traditional Ethiopian music and optimism like never before, the result was an undeniable smash Ethiopians are still singing today, “Ethiopia (Everything Will Be Alright)”. Ethiopia’s first Hip-hop anthem landed on MIKE-E’s breakthrough album, “AFROFLOW I,” the first ever Hip-hop CD released by the largest museum of African-American History in the world. AfroFlow - meaning flowing from Africa – recognizes Hip-hop's indigenous roots. Now, MIKE-E returns with AFROFLOW II. Striking a balance between upbeat intercultural creations and hard hitting social commentary, the project's thirteen tracks symbolize Ethiopia's traditional calendar and its "13 months of sunshine" slogan.
Born in Ethiopia, Michael “MIKE-E” Ellison is recognized as a recording artist, songwriter, music producer, and actor. The Detroit based entertainer followed up repeat performances on HBO’s Def Poetry, with acting credits that span film, television and theatre. MIKE-E performs for a multitude of charitable organizations and causes including the American Cancer Society, the HIV/AIDS Prevention Care and Support Organization (HAPCSO) founded by Ethiopia’s celebrated humanitarian, Sister Tibebe Maco, and his fundraising efforts greatly contributed to the construction of a newly erected maternal and child healthcare clinic in Awassa and a Fistula Foundation clinic in Harar.
One of MIKE-E’s most memorable performances remains in rotation on Ethiopian Television. He entered Washington, DC’s RFK Stadium carrying a huge bundle of wood upon his back in honor of the hardworking women seen throughout Ethiopia’s breathtaking terrain. His poignant speech, “Sticks,” addressed the grassroots movement that was propelling then Senator Barack Obama to the White House and debunked ethnic divisions throughout the Ethiopian Diaspora. More recently, MIKE-E reiterated similar sentiments as the standout performer at FESPAD 2010 in Kigali, Rwanda. Acknowledging the horrific genocide of 1994, while emphasizing Rwanda’s resilience in rebuilding the picturesque country, MIKE-E energized the massive audience with a resonant chant he created from the letters of its namesake: Rebuild With Africa Never Divide Again!
The title of AFROFLOW II’s lead single and video, “Stamina,” was inspired by the endurance demonstrated by past and present Ethiopian distance runners including Abebe Bikila, Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Bekele, Derartu Tulu, Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar. MIKE-E continues to entertain and encourage Ethiopians and all who will listen.
When recording artist MIKE-E merged Hip-hop, traditional Ethiopian music and optimism like never before, the result was an undeniable smash Ethiopians are still singing today, “Ethiopia (Everything Will Be Alright)”. Ethiopia’s first Hip-hop anthem landed on MIKE-E’s breakthrough album, “AFROFLOW I,” the first ever Hip-hop CD released by the largest museum of African-American History in the world. AfroFlow - meaning flowing from Africa – recognizes Hip-hop's indigenous roots. Now, MIKE-E returns with AFROFLOW II. Striking a balance between upbeat intercultural creations and hard hitting social commentary, the project's thirteen tracks symbolize Ethiopia's traditional calendar and its "13 months of sunshine" slogan.
One of MIKE-E’s most memorable performances remains in rotation on Ethiopian Television. He entered Washington, DC’s RFK Stadium carrying a huge bundle of wood upon his back in honor of the hardworking women seen throughout Ethiopia’s breathtaking terrain. His poignant speech, “Sticks,” addressed the grassroots movement that was propelling then Senator Barack Obama to the White House and debunked ethnic divisions throughout the Ethiopian Diaspora. More recently, MIKE-E reiterated similar sentiments as the standout performer at FESPAD 2010 in Kigali, Rwanda. Acknowledging the horrific genocide of 1994, while emphasizing Rwanda’s resilience in rebuilding the picturesque country, MIKE-E energized the massive audience with a resonant chant he created from the letters of its namesake: 
