Since the early days, patriotic and war songs performed by Ethiopian musicians have been playing pivotal role in mobilizing the people from all walks of life against odds and enemies. Such songs have helped to pass down the glorious history and sovereignty of Ethiopia from generation to generation. However, the contemporary music of Ethiopia literally known as the Modern Music was emerged since the end of the second Italo-Ethiopian war.
This can be taken as many scholars stated that following the American and European influences in the modern world, the emergence of modern culture has been engulfed everywhere.
Tilahun Gessesse, one of the most popular Ethiopian Artists of the 1960s’ was the top patriotic singers of the modern era. The solo vocalist usually attempted to mix traditional melodies and performance styles with an accompaniment provided by a Western-styled band and instruments as well.
He was so famous that he recognized performing three times in front of Emperor Haileselassie I. He also played various songs that prove patriotic sentiment with strong lyrics and motivational melodies.
When he sing, many Ethiopians cry unconsciously as his songs are attached to national sentiment mentioning country’s historic victory against domination. Therefore, his voice is attached to nationalism in one or the other way.
Actually, Tilahun himself cries when he perform his patriotic songs. It seems he does meditate about his country’s long history of brevity preserved by its people who never been hesitated to sacrifice their life to the freedom and independence of their country. Many of his songs are dedicated to his motherland. He express his patriotic zeal in many of his songs including Lenat Ager Ethiopia, Enat Ager Ethiopia, Zemach Negn Lehagere, Atintem Yikeskes, Kome Limerkish and so on.
Tilahun’s recordings are both in Amharic and Afaan Oromoo languages. He received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Addis Ababa University, in appreciation of his contribution.
Thus, this writer has chosen one of the most regarded patriotic lyrics of Tilahun titled Lenat Ager Ethiopia which literally means “for the beloved motherland Ethiopia’’. Here we go with the first stanza.
For the beloved Mother Ethiopia
Equipped with firearm and tenacity
I am ready to sacrifice for my country.
In these lines, the singer acknowledged and glorified the patriotic role of forefathers and his commitment to repeat their deeds. Indeed, grandparents had sacrificed their precious lives for the sake of independence, sovereignty and existence of Ethiopia.
Here, we can also demonstrate other evidence the way national pride can be expressed in the songs of prominent artists. The priceless hecatomb by forefathers should be preserved by the generation and transferred to the next as well. To this end, one should be armed and ready to sacrificing his own life if needed for the beloved country.
I resist her enemies Vigorously,
I love my country, sincerely.
In these lines, the singer glorify the state of braveness that a citizen can sacrify to defend Ethiopia from all enemies with a real patriotic feeling. The lines denote that Ethiopia is a country of stepping stone for
African liberty. It is the land that has several patriots and warriors who fought not only for independence of their country but also for the freedom of African nations.
According to the singer, Ethiopia is considered as a stepping stone to the whole of Africa. It is also indicated that the country has never been dominated by any colonial power. It rather was the land in which the history of anti-colonialism struggle emerged from. Ethiopia a symbol for black freedom and black identity.
The birth place of my ancestors
And of, the mother country
Live in freedom.
These lines acknowledge and glorify the brevity of patriots who have originated from Ethiopia and lost their lives for their beloved country. The line ‘live in freedom’ denotes that Ethiopia is a stepping stone since it is a land of heroes and the symbol of liberty.
Here, we can also demonstrate other evidence how love of country or patriotism can be expressed in the prominent artist’s words.
I would never want see your misfortune
Rather recompense for you
Since life is not better than you (2x).
As far as the meaning of life is concerning for people, the singer stressed that life is meaningless unless ones show commitment to sacrifice for freedom. In this regard, the artist noted that Ethiopians must stand together for the greatness of their motherland. He expressed that he cannot resist to the misfortune of his country.
This concept is clearly depicted in the line “Life is not better than you”. The line denotes that the singer wishes to get buried than seeing the disaster of his motherland in his life. The message that the prominent Artist wants to convey here is life is not better than the survival of Ethiopia. Wishing all the glory and greatness to his country, he denoted that every individual’s interest comes after the national survival.
BY HAFTU GEBREZGABIHER
The Ethiopian herald August 1/2021
