In praise of Realism

By Mina Yirga

Mekoya Kiros, one of Ethiopia’s veteran artists, has been painting for almost two decades. “As a kid I used to draw flowers and angels to present to my parents and relatives. Such gifts are common in Ethiopia especially during holidays. I used to have friends that were good in painting. I became their art disciple. What has been hidden as a talent within me unveiled itself after I graduated from Addis Ababa Art School in 1985,” says Mekoya.
Most of his works echo realism. He prefers to paint things as they are with no abstract or complication. Portraits of Emperor HaileSelassie, Tsegaye Gebremedhin, ‘Ayateyew’ (the grandmother), ‘Yetem’ (a given name for Ethiopian women) are some of the best examples for his realistic touch.
‘Braid of the Hamer lady,’ one of Mekoya’s works, has been taken by the Ethiopian National Museum in recognition of his mastery. Diredawa, Mekele, Bahirdar airports and Ethiopian Tourist Trade Enterprise (ETTE) are some of the places where his works are serving to satisfy those who look for beauty in realism. Over all, he has a collection of about 180 paintings in his small creative studio.
Recently he held an exhibition with two colleagues (Girma Bulti and Kelemu Damete)S, ‘Ye Kelem Zimare’ meaning the melody of color. They displayed about 82 works of which 43 pieces were by Mekoya. ‘Ye Kelem Zimare’ is their second show together and they are planning to make it an annual event.
“Art is one way of telling what has been lost in the past. Some Ethiopian customs are missing. Someone has to tell the new generation what has been before. I believe the artist has this responsibility and paintings have this power. We grew up with artist Afewerk Tekle as a role model; likewise, this generation needs someone to follow,” he remarked.

Christian Africa: Exhibition of Orthodox Churches in Ethiopia

By Mina Yirga

Monetarism was introduced in Ethiopia towards the end of the 5th century by nine monks from Syria that were believed to have built their own church around the area in which they settled. Such iconographies are mostly found in northern Ethiopia.
Pino Ninfa, an Italian photographer is among the many that have captured the eminent sites on his 15 day journey to these parts.
At an exhibition held at the Italian Cultural Institute last Monday, Ninfa projected 200 pictures of orthodox churches in Ethiopia.
Photos of rock the hewn church of Debre Berhan Selassie, the monasteries of Lake Tana, the 13th century monolithic rock hewn churches of King Lalibela, church of Axum Tsion Mariam and Debredamo are reflections of Ethiopia’s long time records.
Lavishly decorated old churches, collections of religious manuscripts, colorful ceilings and walls decked by the legends of saints, angels, monks, priests and worshipers were featured at the picture exhibition.
“I took the journey aided by a map guide and with the help of my driver. I have come to Ethiopia several times. I wanted to find connections between the present and past. I believe religion reflects ways of life,” he says. The inauguration of the exhibition was accompanied with the participation of one of Ethiopia’s veteran Begena players, Alemu Aga. As the slide show, progressed Alemu was playing the classical instrument as background for the show. Rhythms of the Begena assisted the display of religious pictures and the illustration truly spoke more than a thousand words.

Master of the ‘Begena’

By Mina Yirga

Alemu Aga graduated in Geography from Addis Ababa University. At that time it was hard to find a profession that relates with the subject he studied. So he went to Yared Music School and taught ‘Begena’(a large lyre), history and geography for eight years. During the Derge regime, religious courses were not acceptable so the department couldn’t get the support it needed. Alemu quit teaching and started his own business.
When did you learn to play the ‘Begena’?
I went to Amha Desta elementary school (around Entoto). The school used to provide sports and music as compulsory courses. Religious teachers were there to train us the skills of Begena. I started learning at the age of 12. As part of our tradition we grew up learning religious books and songs and we used to get support from our parents. Aleka Tesema Weldeamanuel taught me how to play Begena. He used to be my neighbor. I used to carry his ‘Begena and go with him to Sunday church.
Where do you think the origin of Begena is? What’s its historical background?
There are two points of view when we talk about its basis. Some say it originated from Ethiopia. Since Ethiopia is considered as a cradle of mankind in such a way this instrument originated from Ethiopia and went to other parts of the world. And the second version is that this instrument came from Israel. Well, most Ethiopian history is written by foreigners so maybe they have written it in such a way that is suitable for them. Ethiopian emperors and kings used to refer to themselves as descendants of King Solomon, son of King David.
When the Queen of Sheba returned from visiting King Solomon and also later, their son Menilik went to meet his father, many scholars traveled with them and knowledge of the Begena also arrived to Ethiopia.
But Begena belongs to Ethiopia since there is no such instrument elsewhere. So we believe Begena’s origin is in Ethiopia.
Do you think the skill has died out through time?
In ancient Ethiopian tradition someone would be considered as advanced if he has the knowledge of horsemanship, swimming and how to play begena. The imperial families used to play it well. For instance, Emperor Tewodros, Emperor Menilik and Haile Selassie used to play Begena.
The other reason can be the Begena is usually heard in the long fasting season before Ethiopian Easter. This also restricts it from being heard on other occasions. But the fact is, it can be found easily and can be played at any time for prayer and meditation.
Like other traditional instruments like Kirar, Mesenko, we don’t play Begena on weddings or other festivals. As its unique feature, Begena is limited for prayers and it doesn’t go with other cultural instruments. King David used to play his
Begena alone and ever since then the Begena has been kept in the background. The above reasons have overshadowed our presumption that the instrument is getting lost.
Begena players are few in number, what do you think is the reason? Since you left Yared Music School, has the practice of teaching Begena continued?

I started this department at Yared Music School and ever since I left the school they have stopped giving the course. In those eight years 40 of my students have graduated with the skill. You can easily learn foreign instruments by reading the notes. Well, we don’t find such methodologies in our cultural instruments except those written by Saint Yared. In previous days students used to learn by copying from parents either by listening and trying to play. Such methods take a long time to learn. I teach any one who is interested to come to my work place and practice the Begena. And others that have learned from me also teach, like ‘Mehabere Kidusan’ and the like. As a whole I have coached 500 students from both abroad and in Ethiopia.

How can we make Begena gain recognition at international level? What have you done in this respect?
For the past 15 years I have been traveling abroad to introduce this instrument. Furthermore, I play this instrument during ‘ Hudadae’ or Lent at various churches. I have released three Begena albums. The first one is praise songs that used to be heard on the radio. We incorporated it with another Begena player called Demessie Desta. We had our second album with side full of Begena and the other Habetemichael Demessie playing the mesenko but all are praise songs. I have played with Asnakech Worku in Germany many times. In addition to this, I have a CD with Dr. Cynthia Timeberlain, Peace Ambassador, who has a doctorate in Ethiopian cultural instruments. I can speak three language (French, Italian and English) so whenever I am invited, I start by giving explanations about each song I am going to play and about the instrument.
Our individual effort will not be enough because we teach those who have already heard about us and came looking for us. But if the course were given in music schools students would be attracted and the Begena would flourish again.

A piece of timely history

By Tsion Aklilu

Autobiography
by Major Shiferaw Teklu
Andinet Publisher

A new book about the Ethio-Somali conflict of 1977 was officially inaugurated on January 26, 2007 at the Imperial Hotel. Is the timing of the book planned or genuinely a coincidence?
The writer, Major Shiferaw Teklu, has spent seven years on the book. The autobiography tells about the battles he had participated in and his ups and downs with the army. Shiferaw has faced some financial problems in publishing the book; this is where a volunteer sponsor, Ato Admasu Gebrie came along. Admasu said, “I eventually read the book’s first draft. I was so amazed that Somalia had invaded Ethiopia up to Dire Dawa. I wanted others to know the facts so I sponsored its publication.”
“During the attack, the Ethiopian government was not ready and that helped Somalia to capture areas 800 km deep,” said the retired Major. He has served his country in the former Imperial Guards for 23 years (1967-1990). The experiences of his military career and that of his comrades are included in the book. In modern society, books are the repositories of what happened previously and this new book serves the same purpose. Since it is an autobiography, it might not tell the complete story but it will still play a role as a reference to that era. Two thousand copies went on sale as of Friday afternoon.

A night at the stand up

By Tsion Aklilu

The hall was rocking along with the jazz band. The setting of the stage and the white spot light has given the stage a special aura. After having waited for an hour, the crowd at the Hilton hotel would not tolerate the stage manager’s attempt to give a historical lecture on the when, where and whys of comedy. The crowd was very conscious of the comedians being late.
After the stage manager was given a send off by the audience, comedian Kibebew Geda took it all in stride. The moment he lept on stage with his charisma and super-cool appearance, the crowd were already enjoying themselves.
He has been in the public eye for about ten years. On Wednesday night he was keeping in touch with his audiences and managing to amuse everybody. The night also featured eleven other comedians, each with their unique crazy personality. Though it was named stand up, it did not totally reflect what stand up comedy actually means. Some of the jokes were presented in the forms of drama and musical dialog.
Among the issues covered by the comedians were the Millennium, football and the narcotic leaf ‘qat’. Stand up is supposed to be current and the comedians did make an effort though there were some who used routines that have worn out a year or even three years ago.
Tickets were sold out, there were no seats left but what with the humor, nobody seemed to mind. It was a sign of how thirsty audiences are for such events. Everyone exhausted with the ups and downs of life needs such breaks. Paying to laugh is not being extravagant if the fun is worth it. The night might have been a commercial success but next time it is hoped the comedians will come up with original jokes and really make it stand-up!

Kuriftu - In touch with beauty

The invited guests, all seasoned travelers, many of whom have had the pleasure of vacationing in some of the more exotic resorts around the world, couldn’t manage to hide their delight as they inaugurated Kuriftu Resort and Lodges on January 20th, 2007.
The exclusive resort is located in the heart of Bishoftu’s lake district and takes its name after the aquamarine lake on which it nestles against. The selection of the site is, to say the least, inspired and in turn, inspirational. It is an achievement to be proud of as Kuriftu’s proprietor has not spared any effort, omitted even the slightest details and in general, has set a new benchmark for resort hotels and lodges in Ethiopia.
The setting of the golden sun saw a veritable who’s who of Addis society. Abadula Gemeda, Chief of Oromia Regional State as guest of honor and other dignitaries including Tadesse Haile, State Minister of Trade and Industry and Sheik Mohamed Al-Amoudi, members of the press and invited guests were serenaded by a full symphony orchestra. It was a profound exercise of good taste as the melodies wafted across the waters of Kuriftu lake. The orchestra occupied a purpose built but still very natural stage over hanging the placid water, giving the illusion of an island of musicians.
Kuriftu Resort and Lodges is an up market destination with its own access road and is secluded well away from the hustle and bustle of Bishoftu but only a 10 minute drive from the town center.
A beaming Tadiwos Getachew explained to the appreciative audience of how Kuriftu was realized and also pointed out that the resort is eco-friendly and designed to blend with its surroundings.
Built largely from materials sourced from its immediate environment, extensive efforts were exerted to involve the area’s inhabitants during not only the construction phase but also by providing permanent job and business opportunities which are benefiting the local economy.
The inauguration of Kuriftu Resort and Lodges was marked by several concurrent events, including a spectacular display of hair engineering on exhibit in a mock hairstyle contest featuring hair do’s that were each in thier own class.
Kuriftu Resort and Lodges is the result of one visionary’s dream, realized through hard work and the dedicated commitment of those enabling professionals who were involved in the undertaking.
The best thing about it is that Kuriftu will surely inspire many other enterprising entrepreneurs to develop Ethiopia’s countless lakesides, waterfalls and other scenic spots. It must be noted however, that resort development should keep in mind Kuriftu Resort and Lodges’ commitment to providing high quality service with zero tolerance for adverse environmental impact.