Beraki, Tsehaytu

Selam

Label: Terp Records Country: The Netherlands

"Tsehaytu Beraki is an absolutely legendary singer from Eritrea. Born in 1939 in Quatit, a small village, she soon picked up the krar (5-string harp) and after moving to the capital Asmara she became a famous singer in bars, to attract men to the local traditional beer houses. In the 1970-ies she was discovered by producer Tewelde Redda, who took her to Addis Abeba, to record for Philips some 7" singles. She also appeared on television all over Ethiopia and Eritrea. She was a very big star. But the political situation got more and more intense.

Eritrea was fighting for independence, and Tsehaytu got involved in the struggle. Her songs moved from love songs to more political statements and comments. She was actually playing and singing at the front, for eight years. Heavy days. One time her concert was bombed, seven people died and Tsehaytu was badly injured. After her faction, the ELF, was pushed into the Sudan by the rivaling EPLF, she didn't give up and went back to the villages, to sing and support the women and children.

Her courage and inspiration still mean a lot to all Eritreans. When the situation became too bad, she too had to flee into Sudan and in 1988 she ended up in Rotterdam, Holland. I found her in Rotterdam, discouraged and not playing much anymore. I build her a new krar and we decided to record the CD. There isn't really much Eritrean music recorded, especially from those days. The songs are as authentic as possible, Tsehaytu playing all the instruments. It's largely unknown music.

These strange, beautiful rhythms and these moving, almost blues-like ballads. The 17 songs are from different periods of Tshehaytu's life. From the very first successes till brand new material, commenting on the latest developments in Eritrea. With many people involved, we worked for four years on the project.

The double CD, with more than two and a half hours of music, also includes a book with an incredible interview about her life, culture and history. It also contains many old photos and the lyrics."-Terrie Ex