Akylas with his powerful single “Ferto” will be representing Greece in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. But the 27-year-old artist’s path to stardom has not been without its struggles, from personal challenges to financial hardships.
Born Akylas Mytilinaios in 1999 in Serres, he first discovered his love for music through his studies at the local music school. His father, Vasilis Mytilinaios, shared in a January 2023 interview that their family faced significant obstacles. Due to health issues and a physical disability that hindered his ability to support the family financially, Vasilis emphasized that Akylas was determined to succeed on his own terms. “He is alone in this journey. We couldn’t help him financially,” Vasilis remarked. “He wanted more for himself than what we could offer.” Despite this, Akylas’ passion for music and his determination to pursue a career in the arts never wavered. He started his musical career by participating in school performances and later explored theatrical workshops, honing his stage presence. He also worked as a singer on cruise ships before moving to Athens to chase his dreams.
@akylas__ Αυτό δε το χεις ξανακούσει 😋 lyrics εγώ , παραγωγή: nondas papadopoulos #fyp #fypgr ♬ original sound – Akylas
His breakthrough came via TikTok, where he gained attention for his song covers. In 2021, he released “Fthinokraso” (“Cheap Wine”), a song inspired by his life in Athens, which resonated with many. This track, which he wrote during the COVID-19 lockdown, marked his first original composition. During the pandemic, he also taught himself to play the ukulele. Akylas’ music continued to gain traction, and he later appeared on the eighth season of Greece’s The Voice. His vibrant performance of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” earned him significant recognition. His energy and charisma on stage left a lasting impression, solidifying his place in the Greek music scene.
In 2021, Akylas performed live at Thessaloniki Pride, showcasing his talent to an even broader audience. Fast forward to 2024, and he continues to evolve as an artist, with his collaboration on the track “Atelie” with Papazo further cementing his growing influence in the industry.
With his Eurovision entry “Ferto” gaining momentum, Akylas is set to represent Greece on the global stage in 2026. His inspiring story of resilience, coupled with his undeniable musical talent, makes him a rising star to watch in the years to come.
