Young Beach resident Mika Detko hopes to spread message of peace through music

By MATTHEW STEPHENS

Since February 2022 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of lives have been lost.

While the war rages on, advocacy to end the conflict has been widespread across the globe; with artists, celebrities, and human rights activists all trying to bring attention to the situation.

One of those advocates is Beach resident Mika Detko: an 11-year-old musician.

As part of an international project titled Reaching for the Stars, Mika sang a cover of the song My Paper Boat written by celebrated Ukranian poet and advocate Anna Krivuta.

Krivuta initially wrote the song as a tribute to her first love. However, after volunteering at a refugee camp in Ozbor, Bulgaria, she returned to the song when she noticed children folding paper boats and casting them into the Black Sea as a symbol of hope to end world conflict.

When speaking with Beach Metro Community News recently, Mika also expressed her concern and advocacy for the war in Ukraine to end.

“The song is about the Ukraine and Russian war, and it’s just the feeling of wanting the war to stop.” said Mika. “It’s sending a message for the whole world to have peace and happiness.”

Mika attended St. Dennis Catholic School in the Beach before transitioning to Bayview Glen Independent School. She mentions that the feedback she’s received at school amongst her classmates has been positive in support of her message.

“They really like the song. They also follow the message too.” said Mika.

She has been playing the piano and making music since she was seven years old. When Mika’s not working on her music, she enjoys spending time with her friends at Purple Park and the Secret Beach; one of the locations where the music video for her song was filmed.

“One of the places that I filmed My Paper Boat is at the beach – we call it Secret Beach.” said Mika. “I like to go there because it’s calming for me.”

Mika believes that the power of music can reach the hearts of people around the world to foster understanding and peace. She plans to continue spreading messages of harmony through her music in the future.

“I want to make music.” said Mika. “I want to sing and play piano.”

Readers can listen to My Paper Boat by Mika Detko on YouTube.