“If you are an Ethiopian, you should understand it is when we add up we form the big picture Ethiopia. As such, this nation can’t be destroyed by individuals. Ethiopia will live forever,” says Film Maker Prof. Haile Gerima. “I would rather be decapitated than let enemies infringe on the sovereignty, benefits and honor of Ethiopia,” the enunciation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) is heard reverberating across nation and finding an echo in the heart of citizens,
The aforementioned statements served as an intro to the music called Egna Eyalenlat recently released to promote nationalism in the country’s struggle for furtherance as statehood. The song is one of its kinds incorporated under the two albums titled Sele Ethiopia released for same purpose.
In the Ethiopia’s music industry, producing a single track demands a long period. However, these two albums (Sele Ethiopia) were produced in two months’ time thanks to the close cooperation and strong commitment of the artists.
This writer will review the album of Sele Ethiopia but this piece tries to give a glimpse on Egna Eyalenlat (While we the Guardians by her side), one of the tracks in the album. Habtamu Bogale is the one who prepared the lyrics and melody of the song while Kamuzu Kassa and Abegaz Kebrework who employed their intellectual gifts in the arrangement and, mixing and mastering respectively. Vocalists such as Alemayehu Eshete, Tsegaye Eshetu, Girma Tefera, Zebiba Girma and Teref Kassahun have enthusiastically accentuated the quintet.
The verse of the song begins with slamming those who wish bad to Ethiopia saying Siyamrachew yikeral endegomejuat, Endetwedk simegnuat sitadg eyayuat, Lemiyawkat telka lemayawk bitansm, Lijochua lib lay tenekso yesua sim, Ene eyaluhulat Ethiopia atfersm. The stanza tipped the theme that though the enemies of the country always desire to see its destruction, Ethiopia will be protected forever through the sacrifice of its citizens. It also narrates the name of “Ethiopia” is a legendary name in the world for those who know history well, while it is nothing for those slow on the uptake.
The next stanza of the lyric reads, Bedem lakomuat lewers erste, Yawm le-Ethiopia leanditua enate, Fersa min lihon atche hilmen, Beagere sim lay anure simen. “I will lose everything I have including my identity if I fail to keep the furtherance of my country that I inherited from my foremothers and forefathers.” This verse tips that Ethiopians are fond of their motherland and they perceive the name of their homeland as that of their own. In fact, it is logical since every citizen across the world is named after his/her country of origin in any world he travels to.
The song mentions, Ethiopia nat agere, Betem tidare, Atimtubign besimua besim bekibre, Yemiyafersat yifersal nekash yeijua, Gin Ethiopia atifersm eyalehu lijua which literally means Ethiopia is my home, my family, my name, my dignity as such no one can wreck her down since I am still kicking. This verse also tips that the country is endowed with committed citizens that can obliterate any enemy intending to harm their nation.
Liyatefaw Metito yehibruan kine, Sintu endetefa eyaweku ene, Tarik yatsenahu yefikir ginb, bande aynadm ende enbuay kab is another stanza from the lyric of the song that narrates about Ethiopians’ longstanding history of annihilating enemies and connivers that labored to discard national unity. Therefore the unity consolidated through thick and thins can’t be demolished overnight. This stanza also narrates the timeless history of the country in withstanding any colonial power that tried to knock down local regimes so as to replace them by foreign replicas or puppet governments. The song also conveys a warning that any enemy can’t withstand the crushing blow of patriotic Ethiopians as such it has to be forewarned it will be annihilated.
The next stanza states that Yibelt yamral enji fikir aswubot melkuan, Atirua mech yifersal ende lekso dinkuan, Tafrana tekebra tibeletsigalech, Enat Ethiopiachin gena tabibalech. This verse betokens country’s rosy future for prosperity and sovereignty warding off the impermanent obstacles posing hinderance today. The first line of this stanza which is marked boldly uttered by vocalist Alemayehu Eshete in a mellifluous tone can be an earworm for anyone who listen to the song. In addition to the catchy tone, this verse flickers a sense of hope to every patriotic Ethiopian who desires positive things to his motherland. It foretells the attractive appearance that the country will have down the road decorated by the fruit of development and unity of its citizens.
The second line of this stanza Atirua mech yifersal ende lekso dinkuan literally means the territorial integrity of the nation will not be removed as a marquee prepared for a mourning ceremony. In the Ethiopian tradition, a marquee of lamentation is taken down days after the funeral ceremony. Therefore, in this line, the artist is expressing the firm stance of Ethiopians to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation incessantly.
The music video which has been directed by Anteneh Dejene and produced by Walta Media and Communication Corporate appropriately affirms the time and zeal invested on the track to express about nationalism. The video begins with an open caption expressing condolence that the clip is a tribute to Alemayehu Eshete-one of the singers who passed away recently from heart complication.
The music video showcases the bountiful blessings of the country and its committed citizens who firmly stand for its security and existence. It also shows the artists involved in the song while performing their job at studio. The national flag of Ethiopia also floats high in the sky and in the hands of members of the national army. Children playing in gamboling fields, soldiers singing this song with zeal, farmers scaring off birds from farmland, among others, are displayed in the video.
Uploaded on YouTube on 13 September 2021 by Shakura Records, the song has been viewed by more than 43,000 people. It has also received over 62 comments of which almost all are thumbs up replies. Some of the comments are enumerated hereunder. “I love Ethiopia, my home sweet home. I love it, thank you. God bless you.” “Good job, long live Ethiopia.” “God bless my home country.” “Ethiopia will not be dismantled since we are by her side.” “My country, my home, my motherland.” “It is a sweet song.”
The song which melted the heart of many Ethiopians is basking under the media limelight in various media outlets. Many Ethiopians are enjoying the sentiments packed in the music stirring patriotic chords in the hearts of innumerable citizens. This song has also become the major motivation to those patriotic Ethiopians who went to the warfront to ensure national security.
BY YOHANES JEMANEH
The Ethiopian Herald 31 October 2021
