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Role of music in the Eritrean Struggle for Independence

Friday, 24 May 2013 10:09 | Written by Luwam Thomas |
About Eritrea - Art & Sport
Music playing a vital role in the Eritrean struggle for independence is not only recognized by
Eritreans ourselves but also well documented by foreign authors and institutions: used as part of
the armory of resistance by the liberation forces.
Traditionally, Eritrean music consisted of group singing,
and clapping, in a harmonious choir of mass participation,
accompanied by traditional music instruments. This group
singing of Eritrean culture is also known for its use to
raise the spirit of diligent work during collaborative duties
in farming or building houses for members of the
community.
As the struggle for independence was forming and as it
was not permitted to discuss politics of their country, Eritreans used music to communicate

themselves in a way the colonizers could not understand. Artists used their lyrics and tunes to
spread nationalistic messages that touched the hearts and minds of the people.
Along with its military offenses the EPLF used education, political awareness, culture, and most
importantly music as its weapon.
In the mid 1950s, Eritreans came to realize that their country was slowly trapped unlawfully
under the hands of Ethiopian colonizers. The Ethiopian colonizers started controlling the people
on what they read and music they listen. To the extent of discouraging them speak the language
they know. So Eritrean musician began singing songs describing life under occupation, which
resulted in forming small musical groups like Asmara Music Association and Indigenous Music
Association with the aim of challenging the foreign
culture that was engulfing the country.
Although there were some singers that created songs with
straightforward
lyrics,
many
included
coded
communication in their music so that only Eritreans
would be able to understand.
The start of the armed struggle was also the spark of the
patriotic feeling amongst the Eritrean youths. Music was
instrumental to inspire Eritrean youths to join the armed struggle for independence. In addition it
was also used to raise political awareness and to revive patriotism amongst the youths. In the
liberated areas music was used to raise the moral of the combatants as
well as entertaining them.
Music was almost compared to anesthesia when listened during the
worst times of the struggle. It was also an outlet for the Eritrean people,
to have their voices heard by both friends and foes that their victory was
undisputed. The huge contribution of music to the Eritrean struggle for
independence was no less than the use of military armaments.

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A singer gifted with large vocal range

Friday, 17 May 2013 10:06 | Written by Yishak Yaried |
About Eritrea - Art & Sport
A good singer is the one with good vocal technique, a large vocal range, as well as feeling the
song through emotional language and technique, and also acting to provide a song with meaning.
People, who want a career in singing, should start young. This means having lots of experience
in music, including being able to read music and learning
to perform music with other people.
People may feel like singing for various reasons. They
may want to share their feeling with other people. They
may be feeling happy about something, or sad, or exited,
angry. Singing is an art in which mood is expressed
through the voice.
All the above I tried to describe about a singer fits to the
person I want to write about. He started singing by reciting other singers songs at his early age;
while he was elementary level in Godaif. His favorite singers, during that time, were veteran
singers like Bereket Mengisteab and later Abrar Osman. He owns large vocal range and he can
sing and be heard even without a microphone.
His name is Tedron Hagos a.k.a Eruru. I asked him where he got the nickname and he said I and
Yosief Teklai had a song between us called Eruruye that was widely accepted by the public.
And I think Yosief had already a nickname Arbaa and that nickname was given to me. The
public still call me Eruru. I myself, for that matter, took me sometime to know his real name
until I started meeting him in person and talk.
Tedros is a member of the first round of National Service and he served as military trainer for
some years in Sawa. Still you see some military in him with his seriousness and taking things
seriously. He is also serious while singing. He says Music is my life. When I sing, I sing with
my mouth, mind and body.
During his stay at Sawa, Tedros got the chance to join one of the music bands in the Sawa
premises; National Service Music Band. And there he began to acquaint himself with the public.
His first song, according him, was Wotru Zekiriwa Aitresiuwa Tizitatat Alewa Sawa (literally
meaning Always remember her and not forget her; Sawa has a lot of memory). That was in 1994
during graduation ceremony of the first round of the members of the National Service.
The group, in 1996, got the chance to tour to almost every part of the country and Tedros got the
chance to perform in front of people and army units and thereby acquainting himself with large

audiences including civilians and the army units. That was the time of kick-off to become one of
the rising stars in the Eritrean music.
In 2002 he and his colleague Yosief performed the famous song Eruruye at Bahit Meskerem
during the occasion of Independence Day celebrations. That song stood among the ten top songs
of the year. Then after, Tedros produced several music albums and single songs that are well
received by the public. So far he has more than 20 songs that have become public and
disseminated through the local media outlets.
Tedros is not a singer only. He writes lyrics and produce melody. He also gives lyrics and melody
to other singers like him.
Eruru born in 1972 is married and
has three children. I asked about
the reaction of his family about
him being a singer, he said that he
has no problem. His children are
his fans while his wife admires
any one who comes with good
music.
Tedros is currently member of one
of the Military Commands cultural
troupe. He is expecting to produce
more albums in the near future.
The writer has discussion with one the knowledgeable person in music. During our discussion
my colleague describing Tedros said He has a bombastic voice and he should identify where
and how to use it. Had he worked more towards cultural and traditional songs he would be one of
the top singers in that field. He means like that of country music in the west. I fully agree with
the commentator and plus I wish to see Tedros with his traditional costume and with his Kirar
(traditional music instrument) and play Tigrigna country music in its highest form.
Good
luck
and
Happy
Independence
Day
celebrations!

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NATIONAL READING DAY

Friday, 10 May 2013 10:31 | Written by Luwam Brhane |
About Eritrea - Art & Sport
Apart all the festivities that have been going on in this last week, today is Eritrea national reading
day. Globally the National Reading Day is known as a day to celebrate literacy. Annual Reading
Day was held at expo grounds in March 2013. It started on the 22nd and in went on for a
consecutive ten days. At the occasion exhibitions and people of all ages were involved.
The book fairs in or country are usually held in expo because its large place accommodates the
stock of the various vendors who attend. It was a chance for kids to be involved and interested in
books while adults had a chance to keep up with the new books of local literatures as mush as
fictions and books of different subjects. New writers had a chance to introduce their books and
attract readers. In continuation to that today people in all parts of Eritrea celebrated this National
Reading Day. The activates of course vary from the people and circumstances. Today is a perfect
time to get young readers excited about enhancing their reading skills. In some elementary
schools kids had a great time when they wore a hat or some sort of costume that relates to their
favorite book character. Theres something about wearing a football helmet, pirate hat, or
princess tiara that really gets young readers excited about books!
It helps the students become more enthusiastic about reading when the days book is not about
history or language skills right out of the yearly curriculum. When it is something, that even with
the scoop of moral or historical teaching, entertaining with perhaps few heroically figure or a
funny character helps the kids to remember more. This will excite and inspire them to be more
enthusiastic about reading.
An elementary teacher today told me that the heroes of these books dont necessarily have to be
mythical but there are those that are called everyday heroes. Police officers, firefighters, rescue
personnel, and other public service workers make excellent guest readers. Kids find this thrilling.
On this day libraries and library associations came together. All the governmental and nongovernmental association contribute to this day in any way they can.

But we have to keep in mind that this day is not just designed for kids but for every one that
might be interested. Like I have mentioned before new writers find a spectacular chance on this
day.
In our community for new ideas to be spread more than any advertisement through ads and
internet is more effective when it is vocally transmitted. So the percentage of readers and buyers
rises significantly after these kinds of events. Hopefully todays event will have more impact
from the previous years and will influence most of us to follow our literal production.
BecauEritrea - Ministry of Information
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3 Seasons in 2 Hours
Friday, 26 April 2013 11:09 | Written by Luwam Brhane |
About Eritrea - Art & Sport
Eritrea is beautifully located at the highest landmass of the African continent. As a result the
highlands of Eritrea have ameliorating climate conditions. Resulting from these climatic
conditions at higher altitudes we find vegetative cover and fertile soils which are suitable for
agricultural purposes. Our country is mostly known for its well-combined weather: in Eritrea it
can never be too hot or too cold, and this gives a lot of visitors a pleasant stay and for most of us
it gives us a peaceful state of mind.

Eritrea has a variety of climatic conditions. Asmara at

2,350 meters (7,700 feet) has a pleasant climate all year
(average temperature of 16 Celsius (60 Fahrenheit)) and
receives 508 mm (20 inches) of rainfall annually. The
eastern coastal areas receive the unpredictable, "little
rains" (belg) during October to March, while the other
areas get "main rains" (kiremti) from June to September.
Matter of fact In the highlands, further inland, with an
elevation between 1,800 and 2,100 meters (5,900 and
6,900 feet) the hottest month is usually May (around 30)
and in winter (December to February) temperatures are near freezing point at night.
While at the sea level along the coast (Massawa, Assab), the period from June to September is
very hot (40-50). In the period December to February (rainy season) the temperature varies
from 20 to 35. Massawa at sea level has an average annual temperature of 30 Celsius (86
Fahrenheit) and an annual precipitation of 205 mm (80 inches). In the western lowlands
(Agordat,Barentu), the temperatures and the rainy seasons
are comparable to those on the coast.
Eritrea is a year-round destination for the highlands while
at other places it depends on the place one spends most of
one's holidays in or the activities one wishes to undertake.
We are indeed talking about the land where one can
experience three seasons in just two hours or one hour
and a half of drive - from the rugged mountain peaks of
Emba Soira to the arid desert heat of the Danakil
Depression (100 meters below sea level and which is one
of the hottest places on earth) to the cool breezes of the Red Sea.
3 seasons in 2 hours, goes the tourism motto in Eritrea. With the great land scape Eritrea has
to offer, numerous sites of natural attractions and rich historical monuments invite fascination to
any visitor. Both the high mountains and lowland depressions are dotted with unique features,
including breathtaking tropical beaches, beautiful mountain ranges, tranquil landscapes, fertile
plains and verdant hillsides among others.
In just two hours, it is possible to travel from the cool 2,438m (8,000ft) city in the clouds down
to sea level Danakil Depression to the hot coastal desert strip. A number of travel agents offer
different excursion packages to various destinations.
Asmara, the capital city, lies 2,400 metres above sea level
with a friendly climate of 17 degrees centigrade annual
mean temperatures. Summer comes in April and May,
with temperatures reaching 25 degrees centigrade while
December and January bring the coldest season with
temperatures of between 18 and 20 degrees centigrade.
June and July are the months of rainfall.
For everybody who visits Eritrea, an absolute must-see is
the journey from Asmara to Massawa for the best and unforgettable scenic sites and beautiful
landscape that no one would want to miss out. From the terraced mountains of Asmara area, the
journey to Massawa takes you down a mountainous road with quite spectacular views. Half an

hour drive from Asmara by car brings you to a small town of Nefasit overlooking mount Bizen.
At the top of this mountain, 400 metres high and 7 km from Nefasit, stands Debre Bizen
monastery, which is 700 years old. The only way to
access it is by climbing on foot.
The trip from Asmara to Massawa takes about 2 hours where the 3 seasons in 2 hours motto gets originates
from. The experience of three seasons during the journey:
The fall - the cool air of mountainous Asmara
The spring - Plateau around Ghinda area
The Summer - the heat of the Red Sea desert
You can visit Eritrea any time of the year because of the pleasant whether in both Asmara and the
countrys highlands. The highest temperature may go up to 30 degrees centigrade in May.
September to January may be a good time to visit the coast. Another favorable period is from
around April to the beginning of June because the temperatures are not too hot. But either ways
the gorgeous climate and dSkip to main content
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Eritrea

Inside Eritrea
A history of Eritrean music, from revolutionary funk to viral pop

From the songs of war in the 1960s to tracks on YouTube shared by the growing diaspora, we
profile the countrys biggest hits

Helen Meles performing at a UK festival of Eritrean culture in 2015. Eritrean videos

online receive thousands of views and shares by the diaspora community.
Photograph: Screenshot from Youtube
Contribute with Guardian Witness

Ismail Einashe
@IsmailEinashe

Wednesday 19 August 2015 08.00 BST

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Music has always played a pivotal role in Eritrea. It mobilised people during the 30-year war of
independence from Ethiopia, and after peace was finally won in 1991 it formed the soundtrack to
a new nation emerging from decades of conflict.

Most of the countrys early songs reflected on the hardship Eritreans had suffered during the war,
with many carrying overtly political messages to unite the citizens and recruit the young to fight.
Since independence was declared in 1993, the repertoire has expanded. Now, singers address
anything from pride in Eritreas successes to songs of protest as well as love and partying, just
like musicians everywhere.
Early sounds

Eritrea has a long, rich history of folk and ritual music. One of the earliest compilations was
recorded by ethnomusicologists at Americas Smithsonian Institute. A 1951 Folkways
compilation on Ethiopia, but also taking in Sudan and Eritrea, is a great place to start, as is a later
compilation dedicated to religious music of the region.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
Western pop

Eritreas popular music scene is widely regarded as starting in the 1960s. Centred around the
famed Asmara Theatre Association, known as MaTA, the music scene boomed with the arrival of
Kagnew Station, a US army radio installation in the capital Asmara which broadcast American
music to the public.
The sounds of 1960s western pop had a profound effect, and from that time on stars such as the
beloved Bereket Mengisteab helped cement Eritrea as a musical force in the region.
Despite being an Eritrean Peoples Liberation Front (EPLF) fighter, Mengisteab was also a onetime member of the Haile Selassie Theatre Orchestra in Ethiopias capital, Addis Ababa. Now in
his 70s, hes considered a legend of Eritrean music.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
Recruiting tool

Music also gave the EPLF a tool to inspire and recruit young people in the fight against Ethiopia,
and a number of rebel fighters went on to become music stars after independence. Great
examples are songs like Anway (Victory), below, sung by popular freedom fighter Tesfai Mehari
in 1977, or the video for Hijayit Mindals funk track Selam Walden, which shows the singer
leaving behind his family to join the militia.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest

As war dragged on, music never stopped being a potent force in the fight for autonomy, with
singers often useing metaphor or allegory to get their point across. Tigre singer Said Abdellas
well known hit Astini Mai Tsemaku (Give Me Water, Im Thirsty) captures the desire for
freedom that defined generations of Eritreans.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
Eritreas first music star

Tsehaytu Beraki, born in 1939, is arguably the first female pop star in Eritrea. She grew up
playing the kirar (Eritreas traditional guitar) in Asmaras drinking halls, and went on to become
one of the countrys cherished singers. Though she escaped to The Netherlands in 1988, her song
Aminey (My Trust) is still one of Eritreas best-known tracks.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
Liberation

A leading figure in Eritrean music is the late Abraham Afwerki. The writer of many songs about
life after liberation (often with titles as upbeat as Smiling Is My Habit), his music reflects the
optimism and hope that followed 1991. In one of his most-loved songs Abela, he describes the
feeling of returning home after 30 years of conflict and searching for his lover, wondering if
shes in Europe, the Middle East or America.
In this video, Afwerki performs his song Erena (an affectionate term Eritreans use for their
homeland) at a patriotic festival in Asmara in 1997. President Afwerki was also in attendance,
and can be seen at the start of the video.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
Patriotic pop

Much music produced post-independence is staunchly patriotic. Ruth Abraha, a young musician
based in Asmara, is the lead singer of the band Wari. This video, featuring marching soldiers and
men working in a quarry, is one of her most-viewed online.
Even more popular is film star and singer Helen Meles, a former EPLF rebel fighter now based
in west London.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest

It's not at war, but up to 3% of its people have fled. What is going on in Eritrea?
Read more

But not all contemporary Eritrean music is pro-regime, and the spirit of revolution still runs
through the music circulated online today. Yohannes Wedi Tikabo, is a singer who, like 3% of
his fellow citizens, has fled Eritrea due to the countrys brutal and repressive regime. His 2013
song Hadnetna (Unity) was widely listened to among diaspora communities for its criticisms of
Afwerki, accusing him of wasting the post-liberation years, describing generations perishing
under his rule.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest
Viral videos

Eritrea also produces music with no overt political messages, in line with pop themes the world
over love, longing, and partying.
In a country where the median age is just 19, the appetite for pop songs and ballads is
considerable, and Robel Michaels Shikor Shikor (Sweet Sweet) was undoubtedly the big hit of
2014 in Asmara, it seemed to be played everywhere.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Global R&B culture is increasingly a force in Eritrean music, just as American funk was for
musicians during the years of war.
The video for Temesghen Yareds Belexet (The Best), set on a boat, is straight out of the rap
visual playbook, right down to his gleaming sportswear. However, this time, the drink of choice
is mes, a popular honey wine brewed throughout the country.
Facebook Twitter Pinterest

While today, only 6% of those living inside Eritrea have access to the internet, for those outside,
music remains a source of community and belonging shared and consumed worldwide. Stars
from the 1980s like Elsa Kidane regularly play to crowds around the world while YouTube
channels like Horn of Africa-focused Habesha Poetics or Halenga Eritrea rack up millions of
views.
Translations by Zara Tewolde-Berhan.
Ismail Einashe is a journalist, researcher and an associate editor at Warscapes, a foreign affairs
magazine. He tweets at @IsmailEinashe
What did we miss? Add your favourite songs in the comments below or tweet using
#GuardianEritrea
Contribute with Guardian Witness

More blogposts
Topics

Eritrea
Africa
Pop and rock
World music

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Asmera . nl

Introduction
Churches and mosques
Public Buildings
Monuments and art
Markets and workshops
Shops and banks
Offices and factories
Theaters and stadium
Schools and university
Sports facilities
Health care
Expo grounds
The zoo
Hotels
Restaurants
Bars
Transport
Public buses
Airport
Some districts
Corea housing complex
Embassies
May 24th 2000

Asmara University and Schools

Education is well organized in Eritrea. Tuition is subsidized by the government
and studies relevant to the development of Eritrea are their main focus. In the
first ten years of independence, Eritrea has invested heavily in education.
School enrollment increased by 270% at the Elementary and middle levels
and by 185% at high School level.
Education starts at the age of five with two years for social interaction and
adjustment of behavioral reaction. Thereafter follow five years of Elementary
School at the age of seven until grade five, where the children learn to read
and write, operations, mathematics, biography, geography, Eritrean history,
singing, arts and sports.
Primary education is followed by two years of middle School (grade 6 and 7)
where the subjects mentioned above are deepened. Finally there is four years
of Secondary School (grade 8 to 11) with the subjects physics, chemistry,
biologics, history, geography, mathematics, English and civics.

The low buildings at the entrance to Nda Mariam are

part of the Orthodox Christian Church School of Asmara.

Catholic School at the Cathedral compound - Harnet Avenue.

Barka Secondary School Knowledge Street Asmara.

Semaetat Secondary School Asmara.

Italian School - Scuola Italiana di Asmara.

Schools in Asmara
PO
Name
Phone +2911 Fax
Box
181442
Abreha Bahta School for the blind 309
182082
Adulis Elementary School

116411

Akria Elementary School

161682

Akria Junior School

162877

Al-Amal Anumuzagia Elementary

121014
858
& Junior Arabic School
124263
Arbaete Asmara Elementary &
116891

Junior Secondary School

Asmara Comprehensive
Secondary School
Asmara International Community
School
Asmara School of Nursing

161220
494
161705
1
117121
117232
125172

Bahti Meskerem Junior Secondary

School

161235

Bana Junior Secondary School

182362

Barka Secondary School

118444

Beilul Elementary School

182211

Dahlak Elementary School

117610

Dalul Junior Secondary School

115686

Debresala Elementary School

116212

Denden Secondary School

118840
119404

Dogali Elementary School

161136

Embatekera Elementary School

161633

Expo Elementary School

181485

Felege Hiwet Elementary School

186409

Finote Tibeb Elementary & Junior

Secondary School

181376

Firehiwet Elementary School

161211

Gash Elementary School

181393

Gejeret Elementary School

116248

Ghinbot 24 Elementary School

186873

Godaif Elementary School

182101

Hadnet Junior Secondary School

119166

Hagos International School

492
120124
7

Halai Comprehensive Secondary

181156
School
Hamid Idris Awate Elementary
161662
School
Harbegnatat Junior Secondary
508 115683
School
Ibrahim Sultan Secondary School

117799

Isak Teweldemedhin Secondary

School
Keyih Bahri Comprehensive
Secondary School

117334
118886
116340
117529

Kohaito Elementary School

116726

Lalmba Elementary School

115495

Limaat Secondary School

116584
202505

Maarnet Elementary School

162675

Mai Temenai Elementary Junior

School

161380

Mai Chehot Elementary School

119056

Medeber Elementary School

114408

Meqeyro Elementary School

128041

Mereb Elementary School

186484

Midri Babur Elementary School

114784

Mirana Elementary School

161292

Model Elementary School

115661

Natsinet Elementary School

181044

Natsinet Junior Secondary School

186500

Salina Elementary School

115310

Sawra Elementary School

162560

Scuola dell'Infanzia Italiana M.

Montessori
Scuola Elementare Italiana M.
Buonarroti

523
125798
0
523
125798
0

Scuola Media Italiana A. Volta

830

Liceo Italiano G. Marconi

555
4

Scuola Tipografica Francescana

Semaatat Secondary School
Sembel Elementary & Junior
Secondary School
Semenawi Asmara Elementary
School

121
576
121
576
121
061
1211
61

120630
121744
329 116423
8
122961
154462
181462
161539

Simret Elementary School

161316

Solomuna Elementary School

161402

Tokor Secondary School

159061

Warsai Middle School (MoE)

161811

Asmara University
PO
Name
Phone +2911 Fax
Box
122
162
University of Asmara
161926
0
236
College of Health Science

124761

Ministry of Education
PO
Name
Phone +2911 Fax
Box
105 116644
1183
Ministry of Education
6
127817
51
Ministry of Education School
Ministry of Education Technical
School
Ministry of Education Warsai
Middle School

117933
126420
161811

Keih Bahri Comprehensive Secondary School Asmara.

The University of Asmara, where more then 2000 day students are
enrolled in a four-year degree program and approximately 700

evening students are pursuing two-year extension diploma courses.

The University of Asmara was originally founded in 1954 as the
Holy Family University Institute by the Missionary Congregation
Piae Matres Nigritiae of the Comboni Sisters. The university
currently has the Colleges of Science, Arts and Language studies,
Business and Economics, Agriculture and Aquatic Sciences, as well
as the Engineering Program, Education Program and Law program.

The Center for Testing and Training Institute Asmara located near
the post-office, once used for basic and applied research, is now
used for conferences, lectures, testing and training.

The Center for Testing and Training Institute Asmara.

Truck of the Asmara driving School.

Fetsum: Personal appeal to Eritrean

Musicians: Part-I
By assenna on April 25, 2016

Quote of the day: A generic tendency to change the situation may produce anarchic unity with
anarchic vision but it is only when it blends with strategic unity that a society acquires clear
focus for a global vision. We were ineffective because of having nothing in common to
strategically focus on but we will succeed because we now have a grassroots based
universal/strategic vision that we shall concentrate on to attract the international crowd into
helping us swiftly dislodge the cancer out of post! We got to make up our mind!
First and foremost I as a strong advocate of the grassroots movement would like to express my
profound appreciation for what Eritrean Musicians and Artists have been doing since the
struggle for independence to bring the plight of our people on the forefront via songs and plays.
As you know Art is one of the best means of advancing peoples struggle for freedom and justice
in all oppressed societies of the world. No bullet has ever been sharper or stronger for bringing
political change, needless saying no society ever succeeded to liberate itself from the yoke of
oppression without its artists and musicians.

Though Art comprises different styles and messages in general, music evolves from the deep
conditions or shallow layers of social order depending on the lyrics. But it must reveal the
reality of its society and fearlessly confront its enemies to be classified as Revolutionary Art,
remains sheer mechanical otherwise, with no significance in changing the concrete conditions of
people beyond entertaining audiences for money. The value of an Artist therefore depends on the
persons concept of existence. A humble and compassionate musician dedicates the talent for the
goodness of humanity and departs leaving an everlasting legacy behind. The other types,
however, phase out impacting society at only the peripheral level of contact for materialistic and
superficial upshot.
Imagine every Eritrean knew how to peacefully avoid conflicts, fear, poverty and
ignorance! That our people were more open to feel the freedom and happiness, oppression
and sadness in their environment; to positively and optimistically see all the opportunities
around them by being innovative inventing anything and changing their communities
for the better. Imagine the result of independence had been freedom instead of this
disgusting dictatorship; that we had a political system that creates a beautiful ambience in
our country!
How wonderful it would have been for our musicians to psychologically get away substantially
focusing on happiness, romance and lust reflecting the societys condition in that pleasant
imagination!
Now checkout the ugly reality of our people where the uneducated traumatized kids run
away from home, getting raped, shot, killed and organ-harvested! The desperation, the sad
faces, the shuttered dreams, the hopelessness, apprehension and despair; the darkness,
thirst and hunger! The filth and death in isolated cages where no one to ever see and talk
with!
Wow! How can a musician ignore to address, shouting loud and crying on the stage about? How
can one only sing for romance and lust when the society is biting the dust? Art would be sadly
misplaced in this situation from reflecting the tangible conditions of the society to pretending
everything was ok!
Art is as important as food and water in any society. To brief a bit, Afro-American music played
a big role in forcing the racist society to respect human rights by law. The civil rights movement
overall could not have been as effective without the progressive musicians of the time from
James Brown and Marvin Gay to Betty Swan and the Temptations et al. It was exceptional artists
like Poet-Singer Bob Dylan that arguably played the most influential role in the Peace and Love
movement of the sixties. Progressive Music is about love, compassion, humility, forgiveness and
struggle for freedom and justice wherever applicable. It is the strongest expression of human
condition. John Lennons Imagine, for instance was a disappointed mans deep expression of
the unpleasant relationship between human beings in this world.
So wouldnt have the fight for gender equality succeeded without the eras rebellious feminist
musicians such as Janis Joplin, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Aretha Franklin that created the
soundtrack of social progress for women.
Similarly Bob Marley did his part articulating Get up Stand up not for sheer entertainment but
to motivate oppressed people into never giving up the fight until peace, equality, freedom and
justice prevail through secular democracy in all inclusive third world societies. And Jimmy
Hendrix played one of the greatest musical roles through his MACHINEGUN single in protest
of Americas barbaric atrocities of innocent people in Vietnam that motivated many international
artists to follow the struggle and practically change the situation.

We can keep on discussing the mandatory relationship between music and society through
countless human experiences but we wont have enough time for, in this life. Narrowing the
subject to Africa for the sake of pragmatism; it was when freedom was stolen from the Sudanese
people that Mohammad Wardi transformed himself to a Revolutionary Artist, gallantly inspiring
activists across the Arab World using the lyrics that reads: The morning came, there were no
prisoners, the one who imprisoned people is no longer there. The dawn now has fluttering
wings. Unfortunately oppressors first attack local artists at the front line of the challenge for
they know what they can do from direct experience, the reason the Eritrean regime has been
specifically targeting our artists because of the threat they pose to its dictatorial system.
Wardi the optimist within pessimism was among those who participated in the ouster of military
dictator Ibrahim Abboud in October 1964, as well as Gaafar Nimeiry in 1985. He was
imprisoned several times over his career, using his fame to condemn oppression and tyrany in
Sudan, was exiled from President Omar Hassan al-Bashirs regime from 1989 to 2003 and his
songs were banned from the countrys Universities in the 1990s. To him, nevertheless, the
compulsory cost of freedom was worth paying in whatever form it came across!
The dehumanizing experience of Africans under apartheid, colonialism and domestic parasites
has been generating exceptional revolutionary musicians through the years that echo the voice of
freedom and justice louder than the ammunitions exchanged in between. From Thomas
Tafirenyika Mapfumo of Zimbabwe in what was then the British colony of Rhodesia to Maria
Makeba of Apartheid South Africa oppression was musically challenged by African artists that
refused to accept it upon their societies at the dire expense of personal interests.
Political movements often have their protest music a soundtrack of passion and change. But
in South Africa, the music seemed to sometimes sustain the movement itself. Nelson Mandela
understood this. Mandelas lifelong fight for freedom in South Africa had a secret weapon:
music. One of the masters of that music, and a man who knew Nelson Mandela, is legendary
horn man Hugh Masekela. We got together to remember Mandela, and the music that propelled
a peoples revolution. says jazz legend and CBS News Cultural Correspondent Wynton
Marsalis.
Unlike spiritualist Mandela who used music for freedom and equality, the devil used our
musicians to the maximum advantage of his individualism and here we are today trying to
reverse the unethical vandalism of the concept so our artists can serve the people instead. What
the loser did not understand was that Art can reverse direction backfiring against social abusers;
the proof being the emergence of young vibrant and progressive musicians such as Helen
Kessete and Kiros Asfaha that will ultimately bring freedom out of his ashes within the
GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT currently challenging the regime face to face.
Here is a verse for Helen Kessete or alike, to rap on under any preferred title!
Make-up-ur-mind
Do or Die, Now or Never
The choice is yours, dont cry forever
Keep quiet for death act up for solution
Dont fake your love invest it with passion
{How can you imagine joy and lust?
When your society is biting the dust
Halt hesitation stand for your right

Bottom-toping your move is the only way out}

Dont let anyone control your mind
Live it to the point dont zigzag around
By inking your vision on the paper
Attest your character in signature
{
}
It is about freedom of speech
That you shouldnt flinch even an inch
Resist the dude who twisted his word
Like a malicious devil out of his mind

Fetsum: Personal appeal to Eritrean

Musicians: Part II Dedicated to our
prisoner of concise Brother Bitweded
Abraha!
By assenna on May 1, 2016

I dedicate this work to our prisoner of concise Brother Bitweded Abraha!

Reality: There may be a minute difference between the advocates of the global initiative and the
localized initiative of democratizing the country through grassroots based political strategy, but
there is no doubt that Eziwin KIhalif Eyu! The ultimate priority of genuine Eritrean activists,
which is the well-being of our people will resolve it at the end of the day.
The localized initiative (the older version of the grassroots movement) was indeed beautiful and
may have been effectively executed in some parts of the US by the hard working Eritreans that
put it to effect. The fact, however, remains that it was limited in scope that did not visualize
impacting our people beyond continental or regional frame of thought. We did not in the past
witness the efforts expansion from continental to global, which is not only important but
mandatory for this fight to succeed, meaning there was no known strategy in the Diaspora that
entertained the collection of all committees in the world under a common umbrella that can
internationally represent us all before the emergence of Prof. Araya et als Bottom-Up/Grassroots

movement for global leadership (global initiative) currently in sync with the ideologies of Our
Voice Eritrea and Assenna Foundation in Europe, to say the least.
The emergence of the global initiative is therefore a powerful radiation or an extension of the
localized initiative that can only energize the continental grassroots concept being experienced
by the older school of thought in the US. There is no conflict of interest that can divide us
conceptually and the two sides shall amalgamate their resources to confront the dictatorship from
global perspective of the challenge.
We leave the current difference between the advocates of the global initiative and that of the
localized initiative for time and benevolence to resolve, but this time our people will be fully
aware of what has been going on from both sides of the fence so they can minimize the drift
through constructive interference. May God help us rectify the hiccup in between that appears to
stand in the way of our freedom so we can together advance to the next level of the fight as soon
as possible!
I pray for God to give me the chance of being part of the elements that will directly eliminate
the poisonous germs out of the Eritrean society; says the extra ordinary Artist Kiros Asfaha in
expressing our peoples agony under this ruthless dictatorship!
How would other musicians in contrast shy away from delivering their artistic punch without
risking their lives? How can they do this without suffering the guilt of betraying their people?
Freedom of speech being a fundamental democratic value and requirement for progressive
music, how can they contradict the gist of Art by ignoring the truth in fear of the dictator?
Werent FEAR and MUSIC mutually exclusive? Do they really believe they were Artists while
scared of the killers of Art for no more benefit than safely travelling to the motherland to take
advantage of the poor society for a little change?
Hugh Masekela: Yeah, when [Mandela] went to jail he made one of the greatest speeches ever.
You know. Freedom is a thing I stand for and Im prepared to die for it. And then he
disappeared for 27 years.
Is not this the story of our Mandela Tegadalai Bitweded Abraha, by unfortunate destiny? The
precious revolutionary said the same words when briefly released after 6 years of unprovoked
incarceration just before immediately forced back to prison for nothing other than
unconditionally forgiving his offenders and planning to continue peaceful struggle for the rights
of his people. They took him back because they could not handle his inner peace. The dignified
freedom fighter who deserves memorial statues and maximum comfort is just one more year in
hell away, Folks, to match Mandelas very long confinement in comparatively far better
condition. Brother Bitweded is heading on to become the longest African prisoner of
conscience in continental history in independent Eritrea?
Marsalis: Mandela went to prison. Musicians like Masekela and Miriam Makeba were forced
into exile. But both outside and inside the country, music powered the struggle and became the
soundtrack of a nation. Were talking about the power of music that can change minds and
hearts and enlighten people.
Similarly, Bitweded et al went to prison. musicians like Usman Abdulrahim and Tewelde Redda
were forced into exile; Art is, however, mushrooming to unite the Eritrean people under a
defined political strategy for democracy. Though the aging veterans may be tired a bit, the
talented young will certainly carry the torch of freedom to Asmara. We shall construct the bridge
of unity with our progressive musicians using the grassroots movement to overcome the problem
at hand because WAR DIVIDES; MUSIC CONNECTS.

Masekela: South Africa is probably the only country historically where music was a major
catalyst for its freedom.
I strongly disagree because so did all other societies that went through revolutions. From Cuba to
Vietnam, Guinea Bissau to Mozambique, Algeria to Egypt, Ethiopia to Namibia, and Angola to
Palestine; all movements heavily depended on patriotic native musicians to confront their
oppressors, although most of their leaders murdered freedom in the name of it at the end of the
day! One cannot ignore the role of Teddy Afro for example in artistically provoking peace
between the Eritreans and Ethiopians, and Christians and Moslems; positively influencing
millions of people from the region at the risk of being jailed for years.
We could not escape from this reality and our struggle for independence succeeded with
unlimited contribution of our patriotic Artists andMusicians of the likes of Yemane Barya,
Bereket Menghisteab, Usman Abdulrahim, Tiberih Tesfahunei, Alamin Abdulatif and Tewelde
Redda, etc. We could not have made it without WediShek and Fihira et al, Senait Debessai and
Dehab Fatiga et al to recall a bit, although the dictator diminished their legendary values for his
petit intelligence that screwed his mind into believing of being the only person that mattered in
the process by which Eritreas nation-hood was achieved. History says that our artists overall and
musicians in particular played one of the most important roles motivating thousands of ordinary
Eritreans to join the fight for independence that we eventually achieved through the selfless
sacrifice of our fighters.
In my case, I could not have grown up from Ethiopian background being conscious of the
Eritrean struggle for independence without our fabulous musicians of the era. I would not have
left the US for MAETOT in Eritrea without the explosive and patriotic musicians of the struggle
overall no matter how romantically involved I had been with the countrys struggle for
independence. I cannot forget the influence of WediTukul the great, who put the icing on the
cake for me to abandon my first professional job in America and join the struggle to help out in
my limited capacity.
Any person with a wounded heart can suddenly become a musician to express the feel of the
moment. Real emotions matter most after all in producing deeply penetrating musical
articulations. Hidden talents reveal themselves in precarious situations like ours similar to how
The Blues originated from sorrow and despair to eventually transcend becoming the common
expression of wounded societies across the globe. A paradigm shifting disappointment can
therefore induce a psychic condition for progressive music like the melancholic outcome of our
independence struggle among other terrible experiences agitated me to emotionally express my
depressed state of mind viamisfortune with a set of lyrics that reads;
Misfortune
It is not permanence fairness is the deal
Productive existence aint how much ego you pile
Power is okay if you dont let it sway your mind
Over-stretching it will exchange you for your pride
{Whats going on, why is it so hard
To give peace a chance, I dont understand}
Respect for every life is harmonic substance
Guarantee for comfort peaceful coexistence
But too much suffering hard times and strife

Had I had known this I wouldnt have come to this life

{
}
Existence is imposed you are here for a while
Legacy is a choice; wrap your life with a style
Without compassion solid spiritual ground
Ecstatic existence is illusion in your mind
I could not have written this song without contemplating President Isaiass unfortunate
misunderstanding of life; his lost opportunities to change our society under extremely favorable
grounds. I couldnt without being convinced that he was a thinker of living forever, a destructive
mindset that stopped him from helping our obedient and desperate society, still having his hunger
for power intact. I wrote it to express what arrogance and rigidity can do to people; how ego
magnified his selfishness to the level of nullifying his legacy in the process of destroying our
society without any provocation. I did it to express how power finally stole his humanness for his
pride to the point he lost every piece of compassion from his inner soul into developing the
tenacity rusting his comrades to death in extremely inhuman conditions and permanently
devastating their helpless kids through. I wrote it to express how sad I felt involuntarily born a
human being from Eritrea which I wouldnt, had I known this was what it was all about. I did it
to articulate that life is imposed and temporary that should better be invested for humanity rather
than the illusive permanence in our selfish minds. The unexpected bitter experience of our
society after independence served to radiate the hidden artistic talent within me whether the
postulate makes sense or not.
Dear Eritrean Artists and specially our Musicians;
I believe you clearly understand what has been going on in our country since independence,
obvious saying that you know we are all responsible for changing the depressing situation using
our collective resources for the common cause. Our freedom has been brutally and visionlessly
stolen in our eyes, our family structure intentionally vandalized and people deserting our country
in extremely terrifying proportions. Ignorance and death have become the fate of our children
under the morally decadent regime currently destroying peoples homes with demonic passion
and without compensation. Hopelessness, filth and poverty have reigned in our dark and waterless cities and towns more than any other time in the history of our people. The society is
bleeding in the deep cavity placed for the many years of anguish by the heinous internal enemies.
It is silently crying, begging its musicians to tell its story through songs and plays to domestic
and external audiences in this emergency situation. It badly needs its artistic resources specially
the musicians to openly agitate the people and the international community for freedom, peace
and justice.
Brothers and sisters;
We have heard the desperate voices of our people in the seas and deserts of the planet; the
emotional implosion of our helpless daughters, sisters and mothers exposed to brutal rape in the
Sinai and the Middle East. We are also hearing the tragedy of the depressed society from the
young musicians of this generation that are trying to individually answer the motherlands call
for artistic warfare against the enemy. We need to unify and amplify the message internationally
multiplying our potential for the sake of freedom and there is no doubt that you have the capacity
to mobilize, energize and unite the Eritrean people in bringing an end to their suffering from this
unique dictatorship.

Some of you could have so far been passively watching our societys unacceptable situation
hoping it would change for the better in time. Pessimism on how ridiculously the current struggle
for freedom had been navigated could also have induced your deafening silence till this moment
in time. But everything is clear now with no room for fear and deception. We, a portion of the
society believe of today having a clear Grassroots or bottom-up strategy at hand aiming at
organizing our Diaspora community for global leadership that would pave the way to democratic
Eritrea behind international support. This movement is trying its best to attract as many citizens
as possible only for mass-based democratic future of the country without standing on the way of
all other political activities in our society. We are convinced that all opposition groups must come
to a common ground through civilized encounters, free exchange of ideas and respect for each
other. We are ready to accommodate different ideas and compress the scattered elements of the
fight to a common political infrastructure through genuine debate and down to earth relationship,
yet sticking to the grassroots ideology as the best political remedy to our people. We stand united
to never ever let our society re-experience dictatorship via Top-Down strategy because we have
seen its consequence from the Eritrean regime that forced itself to power with the same political
philosophy. We simply cannot see another alternative to secular democracy for our society from
here on trying hard to collect all Eritreans to the camp with maximum determination and
humility.
But we know we cannot succeed without your intense involvement no matter how many of us
engage in this opportunity, nor can Eritrean Art find a better situation to develop than the
degrading situation currently being experienced by our people. Our bluesy situation is favorable
for expressive art and please use it to excel your music from the bottom of the heart. Help us help
our oppressed society using your talents to the best of your capacity. We modestly appeal for
your cooperation to echo the voice of our voiceless society in the upcoming efforts of organizing
the communities to the end of the anticipated global leadership hand in hand with all peace
loving Eritreans in different parts of the world.
In closing this work, society will continue to exist until the end of time but talent withers away at
the end of life. We shall then use it for our people while still alive. Our generation is responsible
after all for leaving a more livable situation for the members of the next generation and we must
together do the right thing for this to take place. Let us maximize productivity taking our
inherent natural freedom as much as possible for the society in dire need of our attention. This is
time for us to join hands and break the chain of fear and selfishness using the global grassroots
movement as stepping ground for success. Please contact me at fezum@yahoo.com for any
progressive idea you may have including lyrics that you may want to talk about that reflects the
real condition of our society. We can change our situation with your support like our musicians
of the era did it during the struggle against colonialism.
The State of the Horn
Contemporary Perspectives on Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia
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Eritrea

In Germany there is a game called Stadt Land Fluss, where you have to find a city, country
and a river starting with a specific letter. If its E and I mention Eritrea I usually have to prove
that this is a country. I hope you are here for a better reason
So I guess you want to know something about Eritrea? So where shall I began. First of all, its a
country you can find on a map. So who expected that? Here it is.

Alright, we found it. As you can see its bordered by Sudan to the north-west, Ethiopia to the
south and Djibouti to the south-east. As you can also see on the other map its a multiethnic and

multilingual state. The relationship to its neighbors and the boarder situation will be a main topic

in this block.
But we still do not know where it comes from
There is a long and rich cultural history around the Horn of Africa that is as old as humanity
itself. So than rather trying to be a Wikipedia article that overflows you with information you
would probably forget the moment you read it, Ill give you a brief overview why this
geographical area, today called Eritrea, occur in the Horn. It is common in Africa that the recent
borders were set by a colonial claim. Before, the area was roughly divided between the highlands
with its orthodox Christian people and the low coast near sea level which is home to the Muslim
people. In the case of Eritrea, Italy had created this state as a colony in 1890. Because of the long
presence of Italy, Eritreas culture is strongly influenced by them. In 1941 it fell under control of
Great Britain during the Second World War. Later, it was first integrated as a federal state in the
Empire of Abyssinia (Ethiopia), but degraded to a province in 1961. In 1961 the 30 year fight for
liberation began; the fight finally ended in 1991, when the EPLF (Eritrean Peoples Liberation
Front) and TPLF (Tigrean Peoples Liberation Front) overthrew the previous communist
government. The TPLF took over the power in Ethiopia and conducted a referendum for the
liberation of Eritrea in 1993. Eritreas president, Isayas Afewerki, was the leader of the EPLF; in
1991 they founded the party of Peoples Front of Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) which still
remains in power. In 1998 a boarder war between these two countries began which lead to a
stand-off and is still considered a source of conflict.
So now you have a brief overview of Eritreas emergence. But still do not know what is going on
there. So now lets try to draw a picture of Eritreas political situation.
Eritrea has a transitional government since its independence. The head of state, the head of
government and the ministries are the executive powers. The legislature is composed of 150
representatives of the National Assembly. They have quotas for women and emigrants.
Sounds pretty formal, isnt it? But how is the political situation de facto?

Isayas Afewerki is the Prime Minister and Head of State of Eritrea since its independence. His
party PFDJ ruled alone and suppressed all opposition; therefore we have a one-party system.
Even critics out of his own party get hardly suppressed. They closed and fragmented the
universities into small colleges to avoid criticism from academics
The military plays a special role in the Eritrean government; for all citizens conscription applies
regardless of gender. The training in the military camps serves for the ideological indoctrination
into the nationalistic and militaristic agenda. Also the economy of Eritrea relies largely on the
military. Conscripts often work in state-owned enterprises. A special feature is the Eritrean tax
policy for Eritreans abroad. They have to pay two percent tax to the state in order to receive
service, for example the writing of documents.
The human rights situation is one of the largest problems for the country. This occurs on the
current number of refugees leaving the state. Eritrea repeatedly takes last place in terms of
freedom of press. Furthermore, the UN reports of arbitrary killings, arrests and torture. Even
religious freedom for religious minorities is not ensured. Although the government is trying to
justify their actions repeatedly with the state of emergency, it distinguishes itself clearly from the
picture of a dictatorship.
And remember, thats just a brief introduction. Im sure we can help Isayas to find some more
evidence in further blog posts. (Dont got the joke?, click here -> Evidence)
Hopefully I gave you the answers that you were looking for. My question is still unanswered,
what brought you here? Please leave a comment and tell me: How you are connected to that
region or/and why are