Music

The Bob Marley of Eritrea?

Eritrea, a tiny country wedged against the Red Sea by Sudan and Ethiopia, has been independent since 1993. It’s suffered drought as it waged war against Ethiopian troops.  

Yohannes “Wedi” Tikabo has released a song on YouTube called “Hadnetna,” which translates as “Our Unity.”  

What makes this track unique is that it appears to criticize Eritrean president Isaias Afewerki and his government. You just don’t do that in Eritrea.  And while only about 6% of the 6 million people have access to the Internet–service is dodgy, at best–the song is being imported into the country by Eritrean ex-pats and is being used to rally the population.

This could get interesting.  More at the BBC.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 37884 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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