{"id":20237,"date":"2023-08-12T18:02:04","date_gmt":"2023-08-12T18:02:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/eritrea\/all-news\/eritrean-art-an-art-of-resilience"},"modified":"2023-08-12T18:51:10","modified_gmt":"2023-08-12T18:51:10","slug":"eritrean-art-an-art-of-resilience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/eritrea\/all-news\/eritrean-art-an-art-of-resilience","title":{"rendered":"Eritrean Art: An Art of Resilience"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Eritrea. <\/strong><\/span>In this conversation, we welcome Efriem Habtetsion, a poet, photographer, and critic, to delve into the world of poetry. His poetic journey is marked by three distinct collections: \u201cseb dika\u201d (are you a human being) in 2014, \u201cHara mkuan\u201d (to be liberated) in 2022, and \u201cdhri znab\u201d (after the rain) in 2023. Efriem\u2019s creative process is akin to a spider at the center of its web, weaving intricate connections between events, emotions, and life itself. Through his carefully chosen words, he constructs a community of emotions, intertwining hope, despair, love, anger, and more. As a poet, he channels historical themes, awakening a deep historical consciousness within readers. His poems are woven with traditional elements, echoing Eritrean society\u2019s indigenous rhythms, proverbs, and oral traditions. Often recited during national occasions, such as Martyr\u2019s Day, his verses console, remind, and invite reminiscence. Below, we share an excerpt from our enlightening conversation with Eritrean poet Efriem Habtetsion.<\/b><\/p>\n

Poetry defies rigid definitions; to me, it\u2019s a medium for expressing inner emotions. Within us reside a multitude of feelings: hope, despair, happiness, anxiety, longing, anger, love, and dreams, among others. Poetry provides a concise and precise means to convey these human emotions. It\u2019s the most refined art form, employing heightened language to succinctly communicate experiences, feelings, conditions, and states of consciousness. I write to communicate with both people and myself, expressing what remains unsaid through other modes of communication. My poems are not crafted merely for the sake of art; they mirror reality and existence.<\/p>\n

My upbringing played a pivotal role in igniting my passion for poetry. During my time as a student at the Revolutionary School of the EPLF in Kassala, Sudan, we would recite revolutionary songs and poems. I would even jot down song lyrics in my textbooks. I found inspiration in magazines like Sagm, published by the EPLF. The turning point was when I heard Asmerom Habtemariam\u2019s poem on Radio Dmtsi Hafash in 1990, dedicated to the Fenkil Operation. From then on, I began crafting poems in high school to commemorate Women\u2019s Day, Independence Day, Martyrs Day, and First September, which marks the start of Eritrea\u2019s armed struggle. My first significant poem, \u201cMeytu zeymete,\u201d was published in Haddas Ertra in 1997 as a tribute to the renowned singer Yemane Gebremichael.<\/p>\n

My travels to China, Germany, Russia, and Sweden exposed me to various cultures, architectures, and beauties. However, my visit to Somalia in 2018 deeply impacted me. Witnessing the devastation in Mogadishu moved me. Eritrea and Somalia share historical ties, standing together during the challenging times of our struggle for independence. The sight of Mogadishu affected me profoundly. The hardships Somalia faces serve as a lesson for developing nations, including us. I wanted to be a part of Mogadishu\u2019s renaissance. The poem aims to inspire the city to rise from the ashes, echoing the sentiment: \u201cWake up Mogadishu, Asmara is on your side.\u201d<\/p>\n

I have strong connections with both veteran and emerging Eritrean singers of diverse languages. I\u2019ve penned lyrics for various artists, like \u201cfanwa bxot\u201d by Dawit Shilan, \u201chdmona abay aderash\u201d by Saba Andemariam, \u201cbxay\u201d by Beraki, \u201cReyeka\u201d by Rezene Alem, \u201cseb eyu hayli\u201d by Merhawi Tewelde, and \u201cSawa\u201d sung by four artists, among others. I also composed the Somali-Eritrea song performed by the Somali military band during President Isaias Afwerki\u2019s visit. My collaboration with musicians continues to evolve.<\/p>\n

My books predominantly delve into Eritrean history, past struggles, present challenges, and prospects. Martyrs Day holds a special place in my heart, and I\u2019ve composed numerous commemorative poems for this occasion. Nakfa, a symbol of Eritrean resilience, particularly resonates with me. Writing about Nakfa felt like chronicling the entire history of Eritrea. I\u2019m also captivated by societal ideas, exploring themes of existence, death, yearning, and human imperfections. My writing revolves around fostering a collective and strong Eritrean national identity, reflecting historical and cultural narratives.<\/p>\n

Eritrean art is an art of resistance, deeply embedded in our identity. As an Eritrean, I\u2019m naturally drawn to this reality. My poems contribute to this narrative of resistance; failing to do so would be a disservice to the spirit of resistance. In embracing this ethos, I align with those who resist external pressures and those who stand up against them. Ultimately, my poetry reflects the essence of Eritrea\u2019s collective spirit and resonates with the aspirations of its people.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity. Thank you for having me.<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Eritrea<\/a> Follow Africa-Press<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Eritrea. In this conversation, we welcome Efriem Habtetsion, a poet, photographer, and critic, to delve into the world of poetry. His poetic journey is marked by three distinct collections: \u201cseb dika\u201d (are you a human being) in 2014, \u201cHara mkuan\u201d (to be liberated) in 2022, and \u201cdhri znab\u201d (after the rain) in 2023. 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