Hailu Mergia is an Ethiopian musician and keyboardist known for his contributions to the Ethio-jazz genre. Born in Addis Ababa, Mergia gained prominence in the 1970s with the Walias Band, where he fused traditional Ethiopian music with jazz and funk elements. After a period in the United States, his music experienced a resurgence in popularity with the reissue of his album "Hailu Mergia and His Classical Instrument" in 2018. Mergia’s work is celebrated for its rhythmic richness and melodic sophistication, making him a key figure in the international appreciation of Ethiopian music.