Mikel Laboa Mancisidor, born on June 15, 1934, in San Sebastián, Spain, was a Basque singer-songwriter known for his contributions to traditional music. He debuted at the Teatro Gayarre in Pamplona in 1958 and co-founded the cultural group Ez Dok Amairu in the 1960s to revitalize Basque culture. Laboa's early works include EPs like Azken (1964) and Ursuako kanta (1966). His music blended traditional elements with poetry and experimentalism, as seen in albums such as Bat-Hiru (1974) and Lau-Bost (1980). Notable songs include "Txoria txori" and "Gure hitzak". Laboa's last performance was in 2006, supporting Bob Dylan at a Concert for Peace in San Sebastián. His final album, Xoriek (2005), marked his extensive discography. Laboa passed away on December 1, 2008, leaving behind a lasting impact on Basque music.
