Africa 2000

New Ethiopian Millennium
Arts and Culture Supplement

Africa 2000 is a special section that will appear regularly up to the Ethiopian millennium festival and through out the millennial year. Africa 2000 features a brief arts and culture profile of each AU member state. Capital believes that an enhanced awareness of the rich diversity of Africa will help in making the New Ethiopian Millennium a truly African celebration. We hope that Africa 2000 will, in a modest way; educate, inform, update and help promote intra-Africa relations as envisioned by the 8th Ordinary Summit of AU Heads of State.

Algeria is the second largest country in Africa and the giant of the Maghreb – which includes Morocco, Tunisia and Libya. Its earliest inhabitants were ancestors of Berbers. They were followed by Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals and finally Arabs. Turkey ruled from 1518 to 1830, after which up to 1962, France occupied Algeria as not a mere colony but a department- province.
This series of invasions and movements of diverse peoples has given Algeria a distinctly different cultural landscapte than most Arab League States. Berber influence is strong in the traditional arts and literature as are Arab customs among the Berber.
The capital Algiers has a lively night life scene enhanced by its Mediterranean setting. The country seems to have finally shaken off the terrible years from 1992-2001. This has invigorated the arts as both local and diaspora Algerian artists are once again performing, recording and publishing.
Rai music
The most vibrant sector of Algerian arts and culture must be the music. Algeria has produced not just some of Africas best musicians, but also Rai music. This internationally popular genre was born in the 1920s. It combined elements of Arabic romantic poetry set to Bedouin traditional music.
Rai is an Arabic word meaning “view point” or ‘opinion’. Its very name is a direct rejection of conformity. The more adventurous form of Rai was performed at raunchier places like cafés and brothels. That Rai originated in Oran is no surprise as the city’s proximity to Morocco and Spain further enriched the cultural mix. Past and veteran masters of Rai include Rimotti, Bellemou Messonud and Ahmed Baba, Rachod. These were all by the way, ‘Cheikhs’ (old or master) and not to be confused with the ‘Cheb’ (young) musicians who truly put Rai on the map. More pop than traditional, Cheb musicians believed they had to blend Rai with western and Afro-African shades in order to take it global – which they did with wild success.

Vital Facts

Loction:- North West Africa, from Mediterranean into the Sahara
Area:- 2,381,740 sq km
Geography:- Mostly desert, fertile coastal strip, mountains
Population:- 32,531,817
Distribution:- 58% urban
Ethnic group:- Arab-Berber (99%)
Principal Language:- Arabic, French, Berber dialects
Literacy:- 70%
Principal Religions:- Sunni Islam(99%)
Government:- Republic
Head of State:- President Abdelaziz Boutefulika, from 1999
Head of Government:- P.M. Ahmed Ouyahia, from 2003
Capital city:- Algiers (E-Djazair,) 3,060,000
Economy:- Oil, natural gas, petro-chemicals, light industry
Currency:- Dinar (DZD = 71.65 = 1USD)
Life expectancy:- 71.5male, 74.6female
AIDS Rate:- 0.1%

Facts and figures are the latest available and may not necessarily be the most accurate at time of publication.

Real Women

By Tsion Aklilu

His works are wholly realistic. It seems as if he puts models in front of his canvas and actually re-creates them.
A solo art exhibition by Yitagesu Mergia was displayed at the Hilton Hotel for three days. The artist has presented 33 of his pragmatic paintings on the eve of International Women’s Day.
From old age to a sweet baby, from the happiest point to the lowest miserable moments are conveyed on the women’s faces. He explains this, “I paint women. Maybe it is because I love my mother.”
Whoever visits his show will share the feelings of these women. He has attempted to show the basic problems of women that have babies before marriage and struggle to support them. Even though most of the women on his pieces are young girls, he has tried to touch every age level.
Yitagesu prefers the realistic style and says, “it is easy for me to express my feelings and desires .” He paints with dark colors to give emphasis to the emotions the women are burdened with.
The artist has participated in 14 solo and group exhibitions including his latest . According to Yitagesu, he has had the chance to work with different institutions as an illustrator and graphic designer. The artist is a graduate of the Addis Ababa School of Fine Arts at AAU.

Ethio-Jazz booms true

Exponent and pioneer shares his views

Artist Mulatu Astatkae was born in Jimma in 1936 and came to Addis Ababa as a very young boy. He attended Sanford English Community School and later on went to England for further studies.

By Mina Yirga

Describe to us about your musical journey over the years…..

It’s a long story since it’s been a 40 year trip. I spent most of my time traveling and conducting concerts in various parts of the world. I have been determined all my life to make Ethiopian music get recognition and reach the wider world.
Of late, I have been working with the Either Orchestra which is based in Boston, USA. The group is mainly from Harvard and Berkley colleges. It’s a very famous orchestra that has been around for many years. We know from experience that orchestras with vast teams do not survive long due to financial reasons. There are huge costs in travel, hotel bills and other expenses whenever the band makes a world tour.
I am traveling with them at present. We had concerts in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and also in Finland and Sweden. These successful concerts are also promoting Ethio jazz music and its development. We had the same sort of tour in Madrid, Barcelona and Germany from July onwards.
My other experience was that I have released an album which contains the sound track for the movie ‘Broken Flowers’. The film received huge recognition in many film festivals . It’s also a great success for Ethiopian music. Well, these are a few from the many experience in my career.

How did you come to be involved in ‘Broken Flowers’?

I had an Ethio jazz concert in New York ’s Inter Garden. The film crew came to visit me at my hotel. That’s how I met Jingamosh. He told me he liked my music and wanted to use it as a sound track.
Could you tell us about the Ethiopic’s album?
It is the 4th volume of Afro Latin songs after volumes 1, 2 and Mulatu of Ethiopia the 3rd album. 40 years ago, the songs used to be heard and played as famous beats. People who know the album are amazed when they compare it with what was 40 years ago.
In 1966 Queen Masakela, Fela Kuti and I were the pioneers to perform such music. Afro Latin songs and Ethiopic’s 4 has gained world wide acclaim. All the Broken Flowers sound track was taken from this album. When I was in Finland, Ethiopic’s 4 was high on the list in records sales. It shows how Ethiopian songs are accepted internationally.

How did you discover your talent?

Well , I didn’t know I had it at first. I went to England to study Electrical Engineering. The most important part of my music journey began when I was in high school in England. Well, in most developed countries, kids tend to learn about music and about instruments as a compulsory course. However, we do not see that in third world countries. We discover our talents or join a music school late in life. I feel like I was very lucky to go to England in 1956 and study Musicology. I got valuable lessons because I had good advisors and teachers. However, it took me a long time to develop my talent. I had never wanted to listen to others so as not to be influenced by them until I really discovered myself.

Can you comment on the development of Ethiopian and music as a whole? How did the idea of the night session come into being?

The development of music in Ethiopia is encouraging. And we should conduct more research since Ethiopia has a rich culture. Africa not only contributed rhythm for the development of world music but also to the science of music. A simple case can be Dawaro, Derasheae, Welayeta ( tribes in the south of Ethiopia). I used to work with Abegaz and Henock. They are talented young men and I know them since their childhood. I used to give them some advice and support in the field. Now they are popular and successful. And we can also take upcoming talents as the Mehari brothers as an example. We have to encourage such new talent. I hope to do something with them in the future.
Latin music is African music. From West Africa it went to Cuba and Brazil as the slaves took the music and their talent with them. World music developed through time. Though the languages are different, the rhythm is the same. You can take a Nigerian to Cuba and ask him to play instruments and beats. He can play them perfectly because he has the same rhythmic background.
The idea of the night session is to educate and entertain the public with different kinds of music like jazz and jazz fusion. We started the session 6 years ago. In the beginning, the audiences were somewhat confused. They couldn’t understand the music or its importance. Now they have come to understand it, they have started to enjoy the sessions. It is advantageous because most people can not afford to buy CDs. Now they have a chance to enjoy classical music, Afro Latin, Ethio jazz and so on .

What’s your favorite instrument?

I love the vibraphone. I also like the piano and other percussion instruments, especially, those with African taste and content.

What’s your opinion on the current flood of formula music (computerization, monotony, copycat singers)? Is the live band dying?

In music, there are different methodologies. Electronic music is one technique. Well, I do not want to go against any of the preferences. I believe using computerization is a science by itself. They use electronic devices and instruments to compose the music and in order to work on these skills, one-needs training. The acoustic method follows its own mode. It has been used and loved for ages. Of course, the difference lies in who likes to play acoustically and who doesn’t. There are people who like to play with both options. I don’t want to take sides because as a music arranger and composer, I believe every one has the right to work according to their passion. I believe music has its own development, approach and process so I would like to leave the choice to public opinion.

You have collaborated with foreign artists more than any other Ethiopian musicians. Would you please comment?

Working in close contact with foreign musicians helps Ethiopian music gain wider acceptance and acknowledgment. For me, it has been a beautiful experience. Different musicians have different views. I guess I was fortunate to get the chance to play with so many illustrious artists.

Could you tell us in brief about your role at the 11th Chamber Trade Fair?

There were many exhibition participants with their products. It has been a while since I have been involved in such kinds of activities as I was more into in entertainment. Africa Jazz and Zelema Production have collaborated on this special event to entertain the visitors and the attendants at the trade fair. It was a good experience in many ways. We met new talents and young musicians and gave them the opportunity to perform. ABC Trading and the exhibition center’s management gave us all the support we required.

Girma regales March 8

By Tsion Aklilu

The renowned pianist Girma Yifrashewa has performed at the Italian Cultural Institute on March 8, 2007. According to the center’s director, Dr. Emiliano Longhi, all profits will go to the victims of flood in Ethiopia six months ago.
March 8 is a day dedicated to celebrate women’s struggle to life and free will internationally. On this cherished day, the celebrated pianist presented his show for two hundred fifty people.
Girma, who is famous for his composition, ‘Shepherd with a Flute’ based on Prof. Ashenafi Kebede’s music, was introduced to his treasured piano as a teenager. He has studied piano at AAU, Yared School of Music, and at the Sofia State Conservatory of Music in Bulgaria. His record shows he was given the chance for a short-term specialization course from the British and German governments.
Currently, he is engaged on his third album. Girma has given piano lessons at the Yared School of Music for six years and played for a year at Sheraton Addis. Apart from working on his new album, he gives private lessons to different groups. At the opening of the show, Emiliano gave a speech and said, “The center is proud to present the renowned artist on this cherished day and the profit earned from this concert will go to the victims of the flood.” He also added that the cultural center is actively participating to strengthen Etio-Italian relations.
The Italian Cultural Institute is actively committed to inform the public about Ethio-Italian relations and history. Emiliano promised on behalf of the center to present various activities in its monthly schedules.