Mika is the stage name of the London-based singer Michael (Mica) Holbrook Penniman. The 23-year-old artist was born in Beirut,
Lebanon; only his father is American, while his mother is Lebanese. As
Mika's family was forced to leave their town because of the war, they moved to Paris. Later they moved to London;
Mika had only 9 years old. In London
Mika was oriented towards the music career, as he attended the Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle, then Westminster School and next
the Royal College of Music.
Mika dropped out from the Royal College of Music for recording his first album. The artist's public performances started with
classical performing in the Royal Opera House, followed by his writing in-flight music for the British Airways.
Mika also created an Orbit Chewing Gum advertisement theme tune.
The pop rock artist appeared on BBC Radio 1 and also on TV,
on The Friday Night Project.
Mika first appeared on the musical stage with a limited download release, "Relax, Take It Easy", in 2006. This was followed by
the "Dodgy Holiday EP".
On the 8th of January 2007, Universal Music released
Mika's first single, "Grace Kelly", by digital download. The single reached the number one position on the UK Singles Chart on
the 21st of January.
Mika's debut album is entitled "Life in a Cartoon Motion" and it was released on the 5th of February 2007. The album was produced
and mixed by Greg Wells in Los Angeles.
Mika started to be compared with great artists like Freddie Mercury, the Scissor Sisters, Elton John and others.
Till now
the artist has been very well received by pop and pop rock fans. As he is only 24 years old,
Mika has all the time he needs to prove he's really made for the musical stage.
