BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
It may be arguable whether writers or artists in general should necessarily convey certain message through their creative works. From 19th upto 20th century, there were two blocks that argue whether art serve sociery or just be as it is describing beauty, or aesthetic quality. The canonical art critic and leading proponent of Aestheticism, Walter Pater, in his influential book The Renaissance: Studies in Art and Poetry (1873) stated that “art comes to you proposing frankly to give nothing but the highest quality of your moments as they pass, and simply for these moments’ sake.” Edgar Allan Poe also suppports saying “there neither exists nor can exist any work more thoroughly dignified, more supremely noble, than this very poem, written solely for the poem’s sake.” However, many leading twentieth-century artists dismissed it. Pablo Picasso went on saying “this idea of art for art’s sake is a hoax.”
Nevertheless, it’s common to find writers conveying social or political message, at least some ideas to their readers. They inspire, insist or advocate society to certain goals using their creative works. Ethiopian writers even if they have also been arguing on the same issue some of them were very bold using art for social change.
Praisal and criticism of various aspects of human life, exaulting the monarchy and the royal family, preaching christianity, remembrance of history, the glory and the fallout were among the themes of Ethiopian literature. With sponsorship and dedication to the monarchy, artists were mainly focused on preserving the statusquo. In most of the literary works one could witness the effort of mainatining the tradition and ways. The novels, poems, plays and other works of art were intended to preach Ethiopian vlaues and glorify Ethiopia and Ethiopian rulers.
“Tobiya” by Afewek Gebreeyesus which considered the first Ethiopian short story is a typical example of art praising kings and queens. This however haven’t stayed long as youths with exposure and change mentality began asking for the change of system and cultural revoultion. Writers if not the major they were the main actors insisting change through their stories, poems and other literary forms. This introduced the beginning of Ethiopian modern literature.
It begins from showing the place of the country comparing with the rest of the world at the time; the extreme poverty, iliteracy and maladministration. They showed it is lagging behind though it has rich history and resources. They also brought foward examples how other countries made it possible from the ashes.
Kebede Michael is among the pioneers of such initiative. One of the most prolific and versatile intellectuals of modern Ethiopia, Kebede wrote different books to raise awareness on the need of cultural revoultion, literarcy and embracing civilization. Yemejemeriya Ermija, [First Step], Yeweket Bellichta [A Spark of Knowledge], Yesilitane Ayer [The Breeze of Civilization], and Ityopya Ena Me’erabawi Selitane [Ethiopia and Western Civilisation] were among significant contribution of Kebede. Japan Indemin Seletenech? [“ How did Japan develop?”] is his very known work that shows his and his generation of writers eagernesss for change. He advocated Ethiopia to emulate Japan’s model of development for its rapid success and the fact both countries have similarities. In the book, he indicated the need for Ethiopia modernizing its governance system and expand education. This book even today is being read and its message still lives on.
Another influnetial writer and proponent of sociopolitical change is Haddis Alemayehu. Haddis Alemayehu in his famous novel “Fiker eske mekaber” [Love unto Grave] that resemble Romeo and Juliet showed Ethiopia’s entrenched sociopolitical problem. He criticized the social hierarchy and inhumane treatment of feudals to lower class of society. This famous novel has ignited reading culture among Ethiopians. In addition to Fiker eske mekaber, Haddis Alemayehu also wrote other novels that impacted young Ethiopians to have patriotic feeling and contribute for change: the novel “Haddis”.
Prolific writer Abe Gubegna was very much into using his talent to be the voice of people and change. He once went on saying; “Since the important matter is what is told and not how it is told, the style of writing should always be regarded as secondary to the theme.” Many of Abe’s books were openly critical of the governments of Emperor Haile Selassie and later the political repression of the Derg. He often dealt with themes of social, economic, political and religious oppression and exploitation. This led to repeated government censorship. By his famous novel Aleweledim [I Will Not Be Born] Abe showed the public resentment, fatigue and pain due to repressive regimes have reached pinnacle to the level they regret their birth.
Writers exploitation of their gift to call, pressure or guide to modern Ethiopia has become more fervent. Birhanu Zerihun triology ‘‘revolutionary’’ trilogy of novels, Maebel (“The Flood) depicted the problems of Ethiopian society, the inequities of the old regime, and the prospects of socialist development.
Bealu Girma on the otherhand was known for his criticism of prominent members of the Derg. In his writings especially Oromay (“The End”) Bealu exposed the Derg government for being corrupted by militaristic mindsets and resulted inefficiency in its campaign. The novel showed the horrors of the war and the mismanagement that lead him to believe the campaign is a failure. Bealu has also written other significant novels such as Ye’hillina Dewel (The Bell of Conscience) narrating a young man’s quest in expanding education by building a school in remote areas of Ethiopia fighting public resistance against modern education and superstition.
Sebhat Gebreegziabher became notable for deviance from Ethiopian norms about sexuality. In his books, Tikusat and Letum Aynegalign, he used words that are taboo in Ethiopian culture and advocated for openness. But Sebhat wasn’t all about deviance. He also praised some of Ethiopian traditional values and attempted to propagate this postive values through his writings. In one of his short stories, he presented The story of the Queen of Sheba and the story of YeKake Werdwot and showed women’s great role, confidence and resistance in the ancient time of Ethiopia.
The writers effort has still sustained with young writers of this time calling for cultural and political revolution. Yismake Worku’s work Dertogada is worth to be mentioned. Yismake in this novel attempted to show the Ethiopia’s opportunities to emerge as great power despite pressure from the other world or its authoritarian regime. For him, Ethiopia’s renaissance could be possible if all Ethiopians in the diaspora or inside the country focused on science and work together in a secretive way, out of dictatorial regime and superpowers sight.
Even if writers have been loud on the need of social and political change by writing from “Japan endet seletenech” to “Dertogada”, the change Ethiopia witnessed isn’t as such radical. Therefore, it is expected writers to maintain their contribution and fulfill their moral obligation of raising awareness, awakeing generation and showing the path to the better future Ethiopia. In doing so, they will keep promoting civilization and civility, literacy, avoidance harmful practices and advocate for rights and equality of people, democarcy, better administration and other relevant things through their work.
The Ethiopian Herald June 19/2022
