Zeru Hagos
May 14, 2005
Berhane Haile in one of his political song in Tigrigna “kenezaribom ena”-literally it means we will prove them wrong- has summed up what I want to say in this commentary. His song was very popular and has been since even after the defeat of the Shaibya invaders who boasted about their invincibility. Shaibya was proven wrong when the heroic Ethiopian Defense Force (EDF) marched deep in Eritrea within days of the counter offensive. His song remained popular today because of CUD politics. Cud politics in the initial going has confused many Diaspora Ethiopians. Even orthodox priest in the Diaspora were preaching hate in church halls thinking the end of EPRDF was near. Today many of those confused have realized they were wrong. Many North America Ethiopian Orthodox Churches are in the process of cleaning their evil priest and deacon from the God’s house. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has assumed the offensive and it is showing success. I do not know if this new strength is because of a divine power or the power of Tsebel, however, Solomon Tekalgn thinks it is the Tsebel! Solomon’s yet to be release cd has a single song about the power of “Tsebel”. The commentary is about Solomon’s newfound love for peace.
The other day I was privileged to Civility pal talk room. The guest of the hour was Solomon Tekalign. Solomon has said many things and in the process hurt the democratic process in Ethiopia. He has helped Shaibya propaganda war by visiting Shaibya world last August and he has also helped the hate politics by singing divisive songs where Tigreans were belittled. I was delighted for a moment, after hearing his song, that Solomon has indeed finally realized his approach to democratization was wrong! But, to my astonishment Solomon informed the audience at the pal talk room that he is proud of everything he has done! Really Solomon?
My inquisitive mind wants to know if Solomon has become a convert now, only after he realized his campaign to divide and win Diaspora Ethiopian mind has failed? Or is it the case of the Tigrigna saying “ Zeaklen Tihenen Bealemariam”! Then I thought may be I should give him enough space to rehabilitate and come clean. After all he plans to go to Ethiopia soon and Ethiopian being the owner of the holiest places on earth, Solomon should be able to get the holly of the holly Tsebel to cleanse him thoroughly! If you allow me Solomon, I recommend you to go to Debre Damo!
Solomon be courageous and continue your search of the truth. I am sure you will never find any scant of good deeds in your past as a political singer. You have been hurtful and this is by no means to say you are the only sinner. We all have been sinners. We all have been wrong. It is time we come clean. Who to start such campaign other than an artist with followers. Be an example and we will follow. Other wise you cannot wiggle your way out by playing the “ I am an opponent or opposition”. Your hurtful songs were targetted to a section of proud Tigreans. Trust me you have hurt me more than Hailu Shawel or the hooligans in Addis did.