BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
A reader of an impactful novel, a watcher of a great cinema, a listener of beautiful song or someone who looks an interesting painting has typical way of expressing appreciation to art products and artists. In addition to buying the artistic works, they want to know more about the artists thinking, the idea behind the arists’ upbrining or the community. It is common for people to be amazed and show their love and respect to the artists. But there are common questions people ask themselves or the arists whenever they get the chance. The most common questions are where do artists get the idea and how do they organize it in a way that captures the heart of their targetd audience.
The question where do they get it is among common questions that artists have to answer whenever they appear for interview. Once Ethiopian novelists Sibhat Gebreegziabher was asked, “How natural does writing come to you?” He said: “ It comes naturally, not on command. It comes through inspiration.” He insists an author to carry his/her notebook whereever he or she goes as ideas my come to them on their journey or anyother activity. There are fascinating stories on how a certain idea is conjured up, developed and become influential for years. Speaking of ideas, there are art works with strong impact, beauty and influence I would ask the same question.
Tewodros Kassahun- stage name (Teddy Afro) is known for retelling stories with easy but powerful and catchy lyrics. His song “Tikur Sew” is one of a kind telling stories from the Adwa war highlihtening the significane of the victory to Ethiopians and Africans in general. The artist calls Emperor Menelik “black man” who is obviously black man. It is an expression that black is a hero and can fight and win. The emperor and Ethiopians fighters Dejazmach Balcha, Fitawrari Habte Giyorgis, Ras Alula Engida (Abba Nega) and others presented a symbol of black people and their pride, will and strength. He made “black” a praise nickname as he chanted “Menelik Tikur sew”/ Menelik Black man through out the song. In his opener, Teddy tells Adwa has decorated African history and guided its people path to freedom.
That king of black people
Blazed feats of bravery
Bore hope to African children
Another artist who is Ethiopian orgin but raised in UK also wrote an impressive poem about Adwa. His poem “Adwa” shows his pride over his identity as an Ethiopian and black man. In his peom, Lemn Sisay argues the Europeans came to African because they were covetous of African resources.
Remember this the Europeans carved up
our homes with blood thirst not because
we were the third world but because we
were the first because we held gold in
our hearts because we have diamond for
eyes because oil ran through our veins
and a blessing hung in our skies
Lemn narrated the story of the war, who have been involved and how Ethiopia acheived the victory.
Baratieri, the Italian general had ice instead of eyes
and a tongue of five leather whips
Ras Alula was deafened by the whisper of lies
that seeped from his lips
through Alula’s agents who could read the tone of Ethiopian wins
their whisper we will catch the Italian advance
before the advance begins
with the anger that of lions and a
swiftness of eagle’s wings
Alula rose magnificent and rode to the foot of
Menelik the king with all their five generals
Menlik growled five armies and
Damned attacks it will take one strong
Ethiopia to break their stiffened backs
Lemn point up it is the unity of all Ethiopians brought this magnificent victory.
It was not one of Ethiopia
But Ethopia as one
It was not part of the sum that won
But part of everyone
It was not the heart on its own
But its veins that pumped on
It was not just the warriors
But where they were all from
The consequence of the victory is also included in the poem as it ignited freedom movement across the continent.
Continent enslaved
Flooded with the story of Adwa
In a whispered tidal wave
From Kenya to Senegal
From Morocco to the Gambia.
The liberation began in Adwa in 1896,
And ended in South Africa.
Another notable singer with remarkable and undying poem is Ejigayehu Shibabaw (stage name GIGI). She created the song “Adwa” as soundtrack to Professor Haile Gerima for documentary “Adwa”. Gigi described Adwa’s significance even beyond what the two artists did. She says Adwa is for humankind in general as it is a monument affirming the equality of everyone regardless of color. The poem is done with a rush but it is very loved and effective both portraying the incident and its effect.
Humanity is an honor
an honor to be a human
When people died to save another, honoring humanity
When called with kindness, love
People to respond and march to keep another alive
But sacrifying oneself
Gigi thanks the ancesstors as they made us all proud making Ethiopia not just unconquered but winning the heavily armed Italy with commitment, wisdom and faith.
For life I am given, the freedom I cherish
Blood was spilt and bones were broken
Price have been paid
How many people have fallen for this free land?
Let Adwa speak, let it tell what it saw
Let Adwa Speak, let my country speaks
How I stand before you today?!
With Pride, with honor, with happiness and love
So, I live with victory every day
Adwa is today, Adwa is Yesterday
Since the fallen hasn’t picked up
I would guess these are from extensive reading or listening stories from elders or naturally given but still I would ask “where do you get it?” how do you do it? These aren’t telling of just facts but with deep philosohpy, thought, concern and wisedom. So, with fasciantion I would ask these questions.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 4 MARCH 2023
