Patriotism and artistic creativity align in some aspects. They cross fertilize for inspiration and contribution. That is why Ethiopian artists usually incorporate at least a single track in their albums dedicated to their motherland. These days, this trend is booming following the release of two albums completely tribute to the country mainly to uphold the mission of national survival campaign.
Moreover, many artists are presenting their patriotic songs in person at various military training centers and command centers in front of the national army members that are paying a life sacrifice to safeguard the nation. And they are earning the satisfaction of the audience and basking under warmest laudations.
That is what exactly happened on 7 November 2021 when the artists appeared at Major General Mulugeta Buli Poly Technic College to entertain patriotic Ethiopians who are taking military training to protect their motherland from terrorist groups designated so by the parliament. “Priority for Motherland” is the theme of the music performance.
On the occasion, accompanied by Zayen Band famous artists like Fikiraddis Nekatibeb, Meseret Belete, Girma Tefera, Getachew Hailemariam, Tsegaye Sime, Tarekegn Mulu, Mamila Lukas, Mesfin Bekele, Surafel Teka, Fasil Girma and Tilahun Elfineh had entertained the army.
Opening the event, Comedian Tilahun Elfineh commended the goodwill of the artists to perform before the guardians of the country. “We honour you, we are happy to join you by way of a morale support. Our motherland will ensure its longevity safe guarded by its citizens,” he said.
Then the artists started singing together Yih new mignote song, a popular patriotic choral music in vogue during the Derg regime. The verse in the song says Yih new mignote, ene behiwote, kerase befit le Ethiopia enate which literally means my dream about my motherland is to sacrifice my life for its sovereignty. This was the first song played by the artists to kick off the music performance in which they elicited the warmest smiles and cherished memories from the army.
Then, artist Girma Tefera sang Agere Ethiopia song. The verse goes on Dil agegnehu zare mesenbet deg new, kengdih bichegna yemilegn sew manew?, agere Ethiopia lemlem abebaye, sayish ergif ergif yil neber enbaye, enbaye dereke mignote tesaka, andinet ende hayl dil yasgegnal leka. The meaning encapsulated in the stanza is thanks to my staying alive and my people; I have achieved victory today in such a way no one calls me lonely anymore. It also mentions that Ethiopia is a fertile motherland sporting greenery and flowers. My tears were trickling profusely on my face when I thought of it. But now my tears are wiped out by the unity of my people.
Mesfin Bekele was the second performer in his Mistir New song a track recently released as a tribute to Ethiopia. In this song, Mesfin stated that Sinekush yamegnal agerewa kibrish sineka, tinshun tilkun sebsabi yehulachin warka, yimeskir adwa sintu afer kemese, kedemina katint eyetewarese, behulet bilawa belteh yemitagesa, ke-ethiopia agere bel ejihn ansa. He is saying that “I feel irk when they try to belittle my country and tarnish its image. I share the feeling when someone tries to inflict harm on my country, an oak tree sought by all shade-seeker Ethiopians who have been safeguarding her similar in a way their forefathers did.” The song also warns the quislings to refrain from their treasons and opportunist act.
Actor Surafel Teka has performed a short monodrama about the life of the warrior king, Emperor Tewodros II. He uttered excerpts from the Emperor’s speech about foreign pressure and interference in Ethiopia’s affairs. “I will demonstrate to the British what it is meant by dying for the motherland and earning eternity. My love is to you my country, I swear in the name of Jesus. I have a dream for you which can be translated into reality by the generation to come.” The Emperor asks the next generation to see to his dream of success. He advises amplifying patriotism and commitment as a tool.
Getachew Hailemariam, performed Kotume song in Oromifa language following the drama. He also entertained the army in his popular song Lammii Koo.
Then, the popular Guragigna song Osebasa was staged. Artist Tsegaye Sime entertained the army. Tsegaye was among the coordinators of the artists to join the army with their enthusing artistic pieces.
Finally, Fikiraddis Nekatibeb who returned from US recently had performed her songs Astewl and Atirsagn in which she rocked the stage with the army. She also played a modified version of Anchi Keto Gid Yeleshim song of Tilahun Gessesse, and Ethiopia Hagerachin song of Hirut Bekele. The verse in Ethiopia Hagerachin song states Betam yakoragnal Ethiopiyawinete, Yehagere fikir telko besimete, Anchi netsanet hoy yetarik awudma, Balem teserachito zinash yetesema which means I am proud to be one Ethiopian as I have a deep national sentiment. Ethiopia is a land of gracious history that her fame reverberates worldwide, it narrates.
The artists concluded their performance singing Tilahun Gessesse’s popular song Enat Hager Ethiopia together. This song, as referred to by many, dictates country’s natural and cultural gifts. This song contains a stanza describing Ethiopia as Yandinet yakbirot, yatinkugn baynet, yetirguame mezgeb minch nesh abinet, yesew zer tisisir milui habt mekuteriya, yenetsanet mikurab, yetarik mesferiya referring to the country as symbol of unity, integrity, cooperation, freedom and bearer of golden history. Moreover, the verse Benetsanet bandinet fektesh, telatishm yiwedkal kejish prospects the capability of the country to conquer its enemy anytime since its citizens are always committed for unity and liberty.
When the performance wrapped up, members of the army had expressed their happiness for getting the chance to meet the artists performing their heart-warming songs. “We are estranged from our family. Therefore, we feel honoured to earn such support and belongingness,” said one of the celebrants from the army.
Event Organizer Gebremariam Yirga is of the opinion that all Ethiopians should stand for the national security of their motherland than ever before. “This is the right time to repeat the national patriotic sentiment that had been witnessed in the battle of Adwa. We need to close ranks with the army providing them with morale and other support. We are committed to die with the army. Ethiopia shall prevail. May God protect Ethiopia,” he said.
The artists had inspired the army to scale up commitment. They have been also doing this for years similar to what their role models had been doing. They motivate and sensitize the people about the need to support the national army for the security of the country. “We are glad to have them in our academy and we hope they will perform in other regiments too,” said Brigadier General Mulugeta Anbachew, Commander of Ethiopian National Defence Force Military Academy.
“We are working to modernize the army. We are the children of our brave fathers who went by the nickname the conquering black lions. We are working to dismantle the junta,” he added. The army and high- ranking officials have a great responsibility to the success of our country by ensuring security.
Ethiopia is palisaded by the blood and bone of patriotic forefathers. All citizens must join hands to repeat this history. The army is effective yet. “I invite the youth to join the army. I would like to thank the artists and believe they will continue enthusing the military,” the commander noted.
Major General Mulugeta Buli Poly Technic College Commander Colonel Abebe Wakshum for his part expressed his gratitude to the artists for their valuable role in enthusing the army.” We are proud of you,” he said.
The Poly Technic College is playing crucial role in feeding the national army with competent manpower. “We are working to equip the army with knowledge, skill and technology. The army is playing indispensable role to safeguard the country,” said the Colonel Abebe.
Morale is one of the core values that makes a strong army, conquering is whose mission. And this value should be strengthened every time through various ways in which art is the salient role player as seen in enthusing the army at the college during the aforementioned event.
BY YOHANES JEMANEH
The Ethiopian Herald 18 November 2021
