QieNit TV Talk Show
Due to the daunting challenges Eritrea faces, Eritrean music is not getting the attention it deserves. Eritrea’s achievements are extensive in many fields. But most of these achievements did not or, could not receive international exposure because not much is publicized – As a result, not much attention has been devoted to expose the international community to Eritrea’s cultural riches.
Universally, music is the preeminent expression of love and Romance. That too was a target because for a long time, Eritreans were told that they are incapable to express love and Romance through music.
It all failed. The people of Eritrea remain seized on the task and contrary to the distractive efforts, the brilliant creative-mind and the humble Eritrean nature keeps innovating without fanfare, successfully.
Music is a staple in Eritrea. It has served as glue that binds the spirit of Eritrea every step of the way. Eritrean music has also served as journal that chronicled the life of the nation to date. It is understatement to claim that music was significant to Eritrea because, Eritrean music has meant more.
In short, Eritrean music has served as evidence that, a nation is not defined solely based on its boundaries since Eritrean music served to unite Eritreans and, expressed their national ideals no matter where Eritreans lived and what the status of the nation was for decades! It allowed Eritreans to unite in purpose – It allowed them to express their love for Eritrea. It motivated them.
Early-on, Eritrean musicians understood the importance of music and deliberately used it to educate, Atewebrhan Seghid’s song “Aslamai Kistanai” is one song that comes to mind. It reinforced a foundation for a vision of peaceful co-existence amongst the various nationalities of Eritrea. Regardless of where they come from, or their religious beliefs, the message resonated.
Memhir Alamin Abdeletif expressed it best when he sung his famous song, “Seb…N Kebdu T-Rai Aykonen zinebir,” teaching selflessness at a greater risk to his life. Musicians singing their hearts-out laid the vision for the future Eritrea like Tsehaitu Beraki “Aba Shawul.” Eritrean musicians were, and remain the heart and soul of Eritrea.
They exemplify bravery, as they have been the faces and voices of courage and defiance at critical moments in the history of this young nation. Bereket Mengisteab exemplifies this dynamic better. He is amongst those that instilled nationalism with his popular songs like “Meley” during the colonial era, sung in exile and, he is amongst the first to return to independent Eritrea to mesh with what was the beginning of a new musical era in Eritrea. Asgedom Woldemichael is another example amongst many, with unique divers styles an Idol of Eritrea Music Legendries.
QieNit TV Talk show production will bring all those hidden legendary and document all their musical history of decades. Eritrean music has grown today; there are hundreds of musicians and singers, each bringing a unique style. Eritrean music has a unique rhythm that sets it apart from the rest of Africa. Eritrean musicians of the early 50s and 60s were influenced by psychedelic Rock and Motown soul music. During the struggle for Eritrea’s independence, music played a central role in mobilizing and synthesizing the Eritrean people-inside and outside of Eritrea and transformed itself during the period.
QieNit TV Talk show will bring together the generations of singers, who have mesmerized thousands with their music, and who have left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of both Eritreans and non-Eritreans, over the years. If “corzan” (heart) and “sueno” (dream) are the recurring themes in Spanish music, and “habibi” (darling) in Arabic music, in Eritrean music it is “hagerey“- my country.
MISSION
Sometimes you stumble across a unique style of music and then somehow, it makes you think: where has this music been all this time? Often, the absence of such music in the international music scene is a lack of focussed network portfolio and marketing.
When Eritrea gained its independence in 1991, Eritrean music was presented with an ample opportunity to reinvigorate itself. Although it has re-launched itself with renewed vigour ever since, it still remains fairly unknown outside Eritrea. This is a loss as it has a sound and character which is very much its own. Because many of the artists and much of the music is unfamiliar to most non Eritreans, the choice can sometimes be a bit confounding. That however, is no reason to miss out on such wonderful music. QieNit TV Production mission will be used as a bridge to introduce Eritrea Music to the World Music arena.
“The objective of this TV production is to create and produce television programmes of a cultural and international nature in the broadest sense, to be broadcast by ERI.TV or by other channels, via satellite or any other medium. These programmes should aim to promote Eritrean Music & Culture to the World Music scene.
Leave a Comment