CyberZena Writers Forum Archives
Laureate Tsegaye Gebre-Medhin: 'The Father of Ethiopian Theatre'
By Fitsum G.
  We could assert that Laureate Tsegaye was an African first and foremost and an Ethiopian immediately later. He has always tried to express the maximum of 'Ethiopianness' wherever he went. His works remain a living testimony to his conviction, which stand against all forms of oppression and tyranny, and had thus never been favoured by any of the last three regimes in Ethiopia. Most of his plays mirror the miserable conditions of his people and cry for revenge, for change, for better conditions. That is why his works have often been subject to censorship, to prohibition from public view on free, open public platforms.
He has not only faced punishments in terms of not receiving his deserved social position in Ethiopian society, at least from the point of view of the governments, but had even to endure imprisonment for his stand for freedom of expression.
Is Dr Negede Gobeze's Book , "Constitutions..." 'Subversive'?
By Fitsum G.
Dr Negede says the current constitution leaves a lot to be desired in many respects because one, whereas the main aim of a constitution should be the respect of the rights of the people and the limitation of the powers and authority of government, such issue has not been properly or adequately addressed by this constitution. Whereas a constitution should emerge from the ‘will of the people’, this constitution is simply the result of a party’s hierarchy preferences and ideas. Furthermore, while it should be limiting the powers of the executive, it has on the very contrary chosen to award ample (too much) power to the same, thus invading and depriving the other two branches of the constitutional order, the judiciary and the legislative body, from their independence and authority. He says this feature of the document could be attributed to the ‘Stalinist nature’ of the same that required power to concentrated in one body. The ruling party is thus conferred with too much power, masked as a majority in parliament, and such majority is then converted or delegated to the hands of a few individuals at the helm. Hence, indirectly, the real power of the people, the sovereign, results severely curtailed to meaningless levels. What is even worse is that there is no mechanism that can guarantee the avoiding or stopping of abuses/breaches.
Kenenisa vs Kenenisa: History in the Making!
By Fitsum G.
There is yet another newly emerging phenomenon in all this exercise. And that is the race against time itself, the race against the existing world record, and the race against one's own record , the race against oneself, all alone! Kenenisa against Kenenisa as once it was Haile against Haile! And soon there will be Tirunesh against Tirunesh! Such luxury can happen only when one reaches the excellence of excellence, the domination of domination! And that is what we saw on August 26, 2005 in Brussels, Belgium, in the phenomenal run exhibited to the entire world by world class athlete Kenenisa Bekele!!!World Athlete of the Year 2004! World Athlete of the Year 2005!!
Artist Zeritu Kebede: A Brand New Style!
By Fitsum G.
 Young Ethiopian Artist Zeritu Kebede, nicknamed 'baby' presumably for her 'baby face', first burst into public attention when she emphatically impressed every one with her fresh style of singing in 'Esti Mela Belu' ((let's find a way out from HIV) a group song performed by an assortment of artists, veteran and emerging. The group included artists like Alemayehu Eshete, Menelik Wessenachew, Tamrat Molla, Tsegaye Eshetu as well as Tighist Makonnen and Tsedenia G/Markos, among others) who truly made a nice equip with a variety of intonations.
Zeritu interpreted her part brilliantly, distinguishing herself both for her powerful voice, youthful face and a fresh inspiring style. Every one wondered where this emerging vocalist had suddenly come from.
Congratulations! Dr.Tilahun Gessesse!!!
By Fitsum G.
It would be very difficult to talk of contemporary Ethiopian music without mentioning his name, an inspirational benchmark for millions. Tilahun Gessesse in fact has been part of our daily lives for the last half century, joining us in our sitting rooms, in hour homes, in our night clubs, lounges, bars and restaurants, wherever we looked for entertainment, relaxation and on other significant social occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, holidays.
Ras Abebe Aregaye: The Indomitable Resistance Leader
By Fitsum G.
Who exactly was 'Abba Gessit'? Dr Abera outlines the major and essential traits of Ras Abebe in this 175-page book, created and narrated in the form of a novel. It principally refers to the darkest moments and perhaps the most significant ones in the life of Ras Abebe. Such period could also be reckoned as the most challenging to modern Ethiopia
Crisis in Our Media: Polarisation!
By Fitsum G.
Extremism is one of the ideas that is to be totally and carefully avoided when it comes to the media. In the end, it is the reputation that the media manages to acquire through its service that will enable it stand the test of time, beside risking to be brought to a court of law, if it is caught violating the law. Any media that does not have a certain credibility among its audience cannot expect or hope to be economically viable, (unless there is some sort of charity that runs it, or else a party that may entertain a hidden agenda).
Priority to Peace! At all Costs!!
By Fitsum G.
As the families, relatives and friends of all those who (knowingly and willingly, or not, happened to have been caught amongst those violent incidents of the past Ethiopian days, sharply touched and grieved,) have been trying to cope with the impact of the new situation, Ethiopians in diaspora, wherever they were, seemed to compete amongst themselves in trying to express their enraged sorrow, vigorous indignation and firm solidarity. Taking advantage of what real, firm democracies gave them, they voiced their feelings openly, trying to inspire us here at home.
Teddy Afro: From 'Abugida' to 'Yasstesseriyal'
By Fitsum G.
What makes Teddy unique is not only his various reflexes with his voice, but also with his original creation of themes, subjects, issues, (for the lyrics) and all sorts of live, natural sound bites entrenched in his melodies. In fact, his latest album is in this sense perhaps the most complete to date. A variety of tunes of different origins (modern and traditional) have been incorporated in the album, and the lyrics are also really poetic, captivating, emotional and touching.
'Chemin de fer': The rise and rise of a virtuoso
By Kaleab Tamene
 His latest works emerged with an aesthetically and responsibly crafted political touch. To the discerning music critic, Teddy has flamboyantly described the Ethiopian religious and socio political setting with an unseen simplicity, vigor and audacity. Teddy's works are living testimonies to the power of well thought and organized musical themes in discerning the social forces at play in a given setting. It gives a clear direction as to how music can be exploited to convey messages flawlessly and successfully thereby striking chords which most humans consider close to their heart. Conversely it gives a clear signal that such works require thorough research and commonsense as they dwell on the very identities of people and issues beyond self.
The May 15 'Victory'!
By Fitsum G.
No one can be naive enough to expect that things would totally change as of May 16, (or June 8, election results announcement), and every one in Ethiopia would be free, rich and happy, under a new government, (be it a coalition of opposition forces, a union of all political forces, or a sort of government of unity of most forces at play, or whatever). The political scenario in Ethiopia dictates a number of cautious considerations, given the variety and complexity of forces, and the graveness and urgency of issues at hand, the composition of the peoples and cultures, with their respective needs and priorities, their anxieties and aspirations. It would be a very difficult country to govern even if it were endowed with abundant diamond and gold, let alone being a toiling country with limited resources and very difficult topography, and eco-system (that can hardly feed its own people all year round, or fill its budget to go on with day to day government activities). All this complicates matters, but what is more urgent in the heart of all Ethiopians is that, first of all, let's have a government that we can call is 'the one that we chose'. Then, other matters will follow, and in addressing this very first fundamental question, May 15 shall have served a valid purpose, (even admitting that election by itself could be an illusion). Whatever the results of the polls and whatever the shape/colour of the upcoming government, Ethiopians have already won one of the biggest battles of their three-thousand year history: they have given a chance to democracy, even if democracy is not expressed only in election terms!
Capitalizing on 'Live' TV Debates
By Fitsum G.
Undoubtedly, the fact that such debates are being transmitted 'live' has immense significance. They create huge interest and unprecedented curiosity in the audience, giving them the chance to listen to whatever has been said, and how, without undergoing any kind of 'editing'.
The Overwhelming Spirit of Adwa
By Fitsum G.
Today's celebrations should not refer to only the glories of Adwa victory, but also serve as a stimulus to emulate such spirit in tackling the reigning challenges: drought, famine, HIV/AIDS, ignorance, and backwardness as a whole. The so called Millennium Development Goals should find better ground of realization, better impetus, if such spirit aroused in people determination, perseverance, relentlessness, hope and a bright future. A dream!
Commentary: 'Neber', (So It Was)
By Fitsum G.
'Neber' (in English roughly, 'So it was', or 'The way it was', 'The way we were', or 'That was what happened or used to be' is the title of the book, 406 pages of a narration of what took place in Ethiopia during the 'derg' years. It is an 'eye-witness account' of an insider, (a person in the internal elite, hierarchy of the military establishment, with access to vital information, oral accounts, minutes and notes of events that determined, influenced or motivated the moves, the policies, the decisions. The language is captivating. As the story unfolds, the reader is excited or thrilled by the ghastly facts. 'Where was I when these things happened?' one might wonder in silence.
Ethio-Eritrea: The Quest for Peace!
By Fitsum G.
What do ordinary Ethiopians say? Their major concern is yes, peace, and they would like to have it. But they fear that such concession to Eritrea would not bring peace any way. There is a certain government in Eritrea, certainly dictatorial, (with opposition not allowed, no free press, no free courts, no civil society, no NGO community, no foreign interference). A country under the spell of one party, one person!
Engidazer Nega, ‘the Mother of Ethiopian Comedy’
By Fitsum Getachew
“Once I was so desperate with my daughter seriously ill, and took her to Ras Desta Hospital. I was crying full of sadness. And when I arrived in the lobby of the hospital, every one began laughing, caring little about my predicament, having recognized me. They were saying ‘that funny lady who comes on ETV screens is here’ and continued to giggle. But I was desperate, crying, seeking immediate medical attention to my ailing baby. And when the doctor came and realized in what situation I was, he tried to calm me, promising to cure my girl. He then said, ‘I will take good care of your daughter, but later you will make me laugh!” .
What are elections without alternatives?
By Fitsum Getachew
What is day to day reality is that EPRDF dominates the political scene and no other party seems to represent any tangible menace to its authority.
YeKihdet Kulkulet
( The Precipice of Treachery )
By Fitsum Getachew
In "Ye kehdet Kulkulet", Professor Mesfin analyses and discusses at length why he stands against the policies of the EPRDF government, why they are ill-conceived, comparing them sporadically with those of the imperial and military rules.
The Olympic Tradition and the Berhane Affair: A Scandal?
By Fitsum Getachew
While she insisted (with tears) that her exclusion was motivated by only an "act of revenge" by the coach (for her "insubordination" to "certain rules", the coach on the other hand asserted that his decision was dictated only by "professional" considerations.
Arkebes Example: To be Emulated
By Fitsum Getachew
currently Arkebe is considered as a person doing a relatively fine job at the City Council, getting the whole machinery moving with a certain speed and efficiency
Reviewing
the Prime Ministers Interview
By Fitsum Getachew
Here was at stake the reputation of the PM as a true magician of words and ideas. Many were expecting the same sharp and witty answers that he had accustomed us, through the years. Many observers have since commented on it, defining the whole exercise as a sort of expression of "boredom and fatigue" on the part of the "Chief Executive Officer" of the country.
Is
Gambella'a Timely Alarm?
By Fitsum Getachew
Gambella may be 800 km distant from Addis, but the repercussions of what is going on there could be felt even in central Ethiopia. Most of all, the way "conflicting interests" are settled there, could be symptomatic, both in the positive as well as in the negative, for the rest of the Federation.
Reflections on
Adwa: Meneliks Masterpiece
By Fitsum Getachew
The "spirit of Adwa" hence should make us "reflect" seriously on the challenges of today. It should be transferred to help us tackle all these urgent issues, in earnest. Otherwise, it shall have served little.
Of
Books on Ethiopia, and "Organic Ethiopia"
By Fitsum Getachew
"Organic Ethiopia" is congested with ideas, arguable and controversial, as much as one would like to. As it attempts to talk about the current Ethiopian society, the existing socio-economic and political institutions, parties, government, policies and measures, budget allocation and strategies and approaches to meet the challenges that the nation faces etc, it can give rise to fierce controversies depending on whose side one can be.
The
Feud over Addis: Prospecting Ethnic Politics?
By Fitsum Getachew
In a nation of a multiplicity of ethnic groups, dividing them on purely such parameters for establishing governing councils has often resulted to encouraging "natives" to push around "others" from the concerned regional administration, hailing from other localities. From here to "ethnic cleansing", to chauvinism, the distance is negligible!
Abortion: foetus, mother, and society.
By Fitsum Getachew
A few days
ago, a friend of mine came to me, filled with rage and fury, and asked :
did you know that here in Addis there is a hospital, run under a foreign
umbrella, that without scruples, trades on the skin of our sisters?
DV and Migrations
By Fitsum Getachew
Whatever
nasty things may be said about it and its government, America has the
reputation of being prospected as the land of infinite opportunities? And
even if one is understood to pay a lot of unpleasant sacrifices in the
first years, in the long run, many are convinced it is worth the
trial.
Badme: An unfinished business or a "Barren Land"?
By Kaleab Tamene
Badme is an issue
on which the Ethiopian government, for once and for all, lost the very
people it was supposed to serve and exhibited its political and diplomatic
nakedness.
Beyond the
'puzzle' of 'Badme'
By Fitsum Getachew
"Badme" is not an oil field, nor is it a golden quarry. Badme is not a port nor has any vital strategic significance! It is just a small, poor village on the border between two of the poorest nations on earth, Ethiopia and Eritrea, as there could be a hundred and one. And yet, to date, it has cost more than 2 billion dollars and around a 100,000 people as a "sacrifice", to contend it!
Who is Idi Amin?
By Fitsum Getachew
Among others, Idi Amin publicly praised the deeds of Nazi leader Hitler, arousing international indignation. He declared himself "King of Scotland" and appeared in a Saudi Prince's funeral dressed in Scottish robes!
Crossing the Red Sea to Sell "Labour"
By Fitsum Getachew
Be that as it may, I dont know how many of those who migrate in search of better economic prospects have any idea about what sort of life awaits them. My own experience says if one is not well informed, the chances of exposure to crude/ruthless exploitation and abuse are enormous.
The "Green Revolution"?
By Fitsum Getachew
Once a very limited and shy phenomenon, today, if I said I never chew "chat", people would almost frown at me, taking me for some sort of fool or naive person! I personally abstain from thinking that chewing "chat" would be a symbol or sign of maturity, rationality or intellect or whatever.
The Raid on "Porno" Night Clubs
By Fitsum Getachew
Morally, there is no question that frequenting such "clubs" could qualify as "disgusting", specially for people with families and expected to set examples for others, specially in view of our HIV/AIDS crisis. But in strict legal terms, what justifications can be provided for the arrest, harassment, and videotaping of both owners and others?
Regression in our Football!
By Fitsum Getachew
Clearly, one perceives a notable discrepancy between the level of quality of our football, the activities of the Federation and the thirst of fans. Fans devour eagerly and enviously (albeit in TV) the tournaments of other nations, (UK, Italy, Spain...).
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