Mate Akrap was born in Split, where, after completing Language Gymnasium, he enrolled in the Music Academy and the solo singing program under the guidance of Professor Cynthia Hansell-Bakić. He completed his studies with the role of Don Basilio in Rossini's opera Il Barbiere di Siviglia. He furthered his education through numerous masterclasses, including one with the national opera champion of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Vitomir Marof, and the renowned Italian vocal pedagogue Paolo de Napoli. Since 2005, he has been a freelance member of the Split Opera Choir, and since 2010, he has been a permanent ensemble member. Since 2011, he has also been an assistant at the University of Split's Academy of Arts.