Upon learning at Ethio-Française school in Addis Ababa, Menelik joined Haile Selassie I Theatre Orchestra in 1960.

He exiled to Sudan and Egypt amidst the Derg regime and returned with assistance of Saudi businessman Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi in 1993.

[1][2][3] In early 1970s, Menelik signed with Philips Ethiopia, recorded several tracks throughout the partnership including "Fikirachen", "Mambo Sambo", "Aderech Arada" and "Tebeb Tequami New".

He moved to Walias Band in mid-1070s where his old colleagues and Beyene already a member, and began performing at Hilton Hotel in Italian, Sudanese and Amharic languages.

Collaboration with Haile Selassie I Theatre Orchestra has met severe challenges in cases of politically motivation, and ultimately exiled to Sudan and then Egypt.