His father, Mekonnen Yalem, was an officer in the Ethiopian Army during the Ogaden War, which was credited with inspiring him to impart peaceful messages in songs such as "Nekchalehu" and "Negen Layew".

[3] His songs dealt with issues of and promoted "morality, love, peace and social consciousness", themes that made them popular and hard-hitting.

[3] In 2010, he embarked on a campaign called "Finding Peace" to help heal rifts caused by the disputes in the parliamentary elections.

On 13 August 2013, Eyob suffered an ischemic stroke brought on by atrial fibrillation and entered a coma, however he was in otherwise good health.

[2] His fans and his promoter, Yisakal Entertainment, took to Facebook to post updates on his conditions and raise funds for his treatment on a page called "Let Us Pray for Eyob Mekonnen".