Suzinino: An Eritrean Eddie Murphy

Born in 1978 in Asmara in a place referred as Alfa Romeo, to a family where an art hardly encouraged but spared after his big brother’s inclination to it. “My father always insisted that I should stay intact with education, and that’s why he attentively inspects on all my educational stuffs,” recalls Hagos Weldeghebriel, better known by his namesake – Suzinino nicknamed after his hilarious comedy he produced in 2003. “The inspiration was like an electric shock”, he continued.  “I was in Markato and when I pass through Cinema Asmara toward my home, a crowd of people were gathering at the gate; I asked a man as what is up to with the people and he replied that a drama entitled as ‘Mekeret’ was performing there. Without hesitation, I got in and in no time, I felt I should do something to be like them.” In addition to that, as he had trained about writing and directing a drama by National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students along with some of his contemporaries such as Daniel Amare and Mihreteab Girmay, they established Yohana drama club in 1992. Hence, they started to write dramas though; he further says, “My talent, passion and love towards it predate the establishment of the drama club through my brother’s influence.”

“Mizan Fiqurat, my first drama performed along with my class mates in Denden Secondary School, can be taken as a stepping stone toward my career,” he argued. They performed it in various cities like Adi Keyih, Mendefera, May Habar, Dekemhare and others and got high acclamations, he recalls.   Nevertheless, the first drama he produced with Yohana drama club was ‘Serbi‘ authored by Fasil Tesfay, and it was in ‘ FiQri hade deqiQ‘ that he firstly took a comic role, he added. The drama, “directed by me, was a brainchild of Solomon Ghebremedhin (Chico), and it was this very drama that manifested my inner talent-a comedian and since then, along with serious roles, I started to put my comic roles high in my menu” he noted.

“At that time we had a financial constraints to the extent that we sometimes lack money for bus return fare from a tour,” Suzinino’s club cofounder Daniel Amare says.   “Only the passion and love of the art was driving us to produce more on which all expenses were met by us and the costume and other necessary articles were brought from our homes,” he further adds.  

However, Hagos continues, “the credit for boosting my career goes to Sawa Training Camp. It was when I enrolled to 3^rd round; I got the chance to freely exploit my comic talent along with my cultural troupe and the feed back we got from the trainers was further fueled our feelings and enthusiasm to bear such a good performances,” he said. Besides, “for a tongue slip at an occasion where trainers were gathered, ‘Jack’ replaced the very name originally given to me by my parents,” remarks.

 “Then after, I wrote, directed and acted in many serious and comic dramas, video clips and TV shows and films, yet the video Suzinino I produced in 2003 was the one that introduced me with the public” he says. The morale of the comedy in particular titled as Suzinino, is as simple as what a flashy person would venture into, and the responses we got from it was encouraging and that is the first drama that tipped my career an enhancement and lifted my vigor, Suzinino further added.

Off course, after that along with my drama mates such as Mihreteab Girmay, Ceasar Zaid, Mihret Tesfa Michael, Saleh Mohammed Said and others, we produced a series of TV and Video clips such as Nsha (2002), Hadgat (2003), Suzinino (2003), and with Saimon Beyene
 (Tafla) like Meanta (2004) , Weteto (2006) and soon to be released         Mear  , he continued . Besides as part of my endeavor on producing films, Hagos further noted, he authored and directed Danait and directed and acted in  Simbrat that authored by Salh Mohammed Said; and directed a video clip titled as ‘ Riwyet ‘ which was produced by Teshale Brhane . But, he says, “now I am intensively engaging on a new film, titled as ‘ Ngusat Nail’ “, in which he says, “I am trying to produce it with the current cinematographic techniques and equipments, encompassing a great deal of minor roles ( up to 1000) from all societal strata. The aim, continued he, “is to pave a way and meet with the film standards and participate on FESPACO, the Pan-African Film and Television Festival, held annually in Burkina Faso,”he further says.

“The theoretical and practical courses, we got at Cinema Odeon under the auspices of the Cultural Affairs of the PFDJ, regarding to film production ,cinematography, directing, lighting, sound system, editing and the issue of copy right really helped me on our career,” he further says. At the end of the session, the drama performed by their group titled us ‘Check’, wrote and directed by him, ranked first. The drama, being a metaphor, its message can be summarized as the gloomy life standard of a rich family despite their fortune vis-à-vis the warm and harmonious one of their poor neighbor. Moreover, apart of the 60 plus short TV shows, he either authored or directed ‘ Hyaw Hne, Swr Mistir, Nefri’ among others. In addition, he acted on many festival and Liberation Day ceremonial activities.

Not only did he act in dramas but also wrote many lyrics to some famous Eritrean singers. His song titled as Mahlaki from his first album; a song written to his film, Danait got a wide listener ship. “Many people think that the song was written based on my personal experience, but the truth is in converse,” he argued. “It is merely a romantic experience in which every person at least know about or pass through,” added he. Nevertheless, Hagos continues, “my endeavor is not fully met and I know I should work more, yet the assistance and encouragement from my audience is vital thing,” he stated. And, he adds, “it is a natural thing to encounter immature people who try to impede once vigor and spirit and the right thing one can do, especially an artist, is just to focus and be confident on his/her work” he says.

With the potential, he possesses, along with his striving colleagues amalgamated with constructive criticisms and comments from his audiences, time will show what he is going to bear

Interview with Singer Tesfalem “Qorchach” Arefaine

Interview conducted in Tigrigna and translated to English by NUEYS Staff

 

First, let’s start with your nickname, “Qorchach” (kinky hair). How did you get it? Do you hate it? 

I can’t remember exactly who gave me this nickname. But my neighborhood kids used to call me by that name ever since I was young. I believe it has to do with my coarse hair which is kinky. I like it, and don’t mind being called by that name. 

How did you start your singing career? And when? 

Up to the year 2000, I didn’t realize my interest in singing. Before that I was a dancer. I used to repeat the song that we used for dancing in the same voice and tone as the original singers. After hearing my voice, many people encouraged me to sing professionally. Then pushed by my inner urges and outside persuasion, I started singing in 2001. 

How many albums have you released so far? 

Two. They are, “Menalbat” “Entay giere”. (Note: this interview was conducted before the release of qorchach’s latest [third] album “Titsbit Newihuwa”)

Your first album was not distributed inside Eritrea. Why is that? 

I sold the distribution rights for my first album to some businessman. Then I never saw it distributed anywhere. I don’t know the reason. And I’m still waiting. 

What was the feed back or reaction you got from the fans after the release of your second album, “Enatay giere”? 

I got a very positive and encouraging feedback. This has boosted my morale and helped me to continue in my profession as a singer. Although I can’t say it’s perfect, the reaction I got from the fans has been beyond my expectations. 

How do you prepare or write your songs? 

I do not play any musical instruments. So the tunes I write or create have to be sung and memorized inside my head. Then I take them to some musicians and prepare and record them. I also write some lyrics. While writing some of the numbers, I prepare both the music (melody) and the poetry (lyrics) at the same time. For example, the songs, “Adey” and “Entay giere” were done in this fashion. 

Where, when and in what mood do you write the lyrics for your songs? 

I don’t know the reason, but I like quiet and solitude. I want privacy and meditation and enjoying nature. I wrote most of my songs in such situations. I write about some stories I create out of random or sudden inspirations that I get.

 

Do you use materials (music or lyrics) from other artist? 

Yes, I do. For example my songs “Hesebelu,” “Tsebktey” and “friena” were done by other artists. The first was composed by Yunis Said, the lyrics for the second song, “Tsebektey,” (my beautiful one) by Habtom Hafa, and the third was done by Yohannes Tequabo (lyrics) and melody by Tsegay Gebretensae. 

Tell us what you felt on your first appearance ever as a singer? 

When I started singing I used to copy the style of some singers, such as Dawit (Shelan) and Abrar Osman. In 2001 Dawit arranged for me to sing in Aguadu Sembel (A night club in Asmara). For me that was a dream come true. I sang Abrare’s song “Ayred” and Dawit’s “Semi’ikido.” I enjoyed myself a lot. I don’t know how to describe my feeling at that time. I had mixed emotions of fear, joy and others. When I finished the songs, some people came and encouraged me by saying I did a good job. This was an extra joy for me. 

You perform and dance well on stage. Where did you develop this ability? Do you practice alone? 

As I mentioned earlier, I was first a dancer before I became a singer. Even earlier I had won some awards and prizes for my dancing in various night clubs. When I started singing I enjoy myself by dancing along with my singing. Personally, I like and enjoy dancing. Later in my career the public’s encouragement added fuel to my work. When I’m on the stage dancing, I lose control of myself and I become totally immersed in the act of dancing. 

Do you have any songs (music or lyrics) that you’d copied form abroad (foreign works)? 

To be honest, I have one song whose melody I had added some minor Arabic tune or element. Other than that, I don’t intentionally copy from abroad. 

At what time does your mood for art rise? 

The moment I climb on the stage and hold the mike, I get in the mood for singing and dancing. 

Do you have the time when you feel bad and don’t feel like singing? 

No, I don’t think so. I get in the mood for singing easily enough. 

Do you sometime write songs based on your real life experiences or events? If so what are they, and why did you write them? 

Yes, I do. I have three songs which relate to my personal life directly. These songs are: “Friena,” “Adey” (my mother) and “Entay giere” (What have I wronged?). The first two songs “Friena” and “Entay giere” are related to my personal love life. Like most young people, I fell in love while young. I don’t remember all the details, but I wrote about these experiences. The events are similar to the words in the lyrics. The song entitled “Adey” (my mother) is about my own mother. My mother was cruelly killed by the Ethiopian (Derg) soldiers during the colonial era. When I was young, she used to work in the sack building factory. She was mercilessly shot along with other 20 people by the Ethiopian soldiers. I believe you can easily understand my pain and suffering. I wrote the song in order to remember my mother and all the other mothers who were cruelly killed by the enemy. 

What is your opinion about young singers of your age? Whom do you especially admire? 

Young singers of my age are progressing very fine. I believe that if we work in cooperation, we can produce excellent work which will be famous not only in Eritrea but also in our region as well. I look at them as my mentors and teachers, so I admire them all. But I especially I like and admire Yohannes Tequabo and Dawit Shelan. 

How many video clips have you done so far? How hard is the work of preparing or producing a video clip? 

So far, I have done two video clips. This work involves changing the song already introduced to the fans (listeners) from audio into visual and artistic form. So it is hard work and needs a capable director. You have to become both a signer and actor at once. There’s also the question of coordinating the sound and the visual (pictures.) If you get a great director you can have a good video clip which is excellently harmonized. You also need to make expenses in order to get good quality work. 

Do you try to sing in other languages other than Tigrinya? 

Yes. I am practicing for some songs in English and Arabic. 

How do you explain your character? What type of person are you? 

This question should have been asked to other people who know me. But so far people tell me that I’m modest, gentle and funny (one who enjoys jokes.) 

Do you have any bad habits that you would hate or personally would like to stop? 

Of course, I’m only human. I have this smoking habit that I would like to quit. As for habits in others, I have nothing that I hate in particular. 

What are the characteristics that you like and hate in general? 

I hate people who are low in morale and belittle the work of others, gossips and proud boasters. On the other hand I like people who are optimistic, and have characters who are opposite to the ones I mentioned. 

What types of food do you like? Do you drink alcohol? 

I eat whatever I find. I’m not a chooser. I drink moderately. 

 

 

 

Who is your role model? Whose style do you follow? 

I like and admire Michael Jackson a lot. 

They say that music and drinking don’t go along. Do you agree? 

No, I don’t agree. 

Who are your fans mostly? The young or…? 

Yes, my fans are mostly young. But I believe adults or older people also like it. 

What was your ambition when you were young? 

I wanted to be a soccer player. I enjoyed playing soccer. 

What is your opinion about the “Shengrewa” (the TV-ERI program in search for new singers/artists)? 

It is a great program. I feel it has been very late in appearing. I have no doubt that the program will produce many great artists. 

Last question. What advice do you have for your peers concerning HIV/AIDS? 

I say to them: Let us be careful, careful! Careful! 

 

 

 

Interview with Tesfay “Fihira” Mehari

 

Tell us something about your childhood? How did you aspire to become a singer, and what was your ambition while young? 

 

My father was a policeman. My life was spent in modest style. I grew up with much contact with musicians and singers. I believe this helped to promote my hidden talents as a singer. I always wanted and prayed hard to be a musician. And thank God I realized my dream. 

What profession are you in besides singing? Are you married? Any children? 

 

I am a full time or professional singer. I make my living from it. I am happily married. I hope to continue so, too. And I have five children. 

 

People say that you have been married too many times? 

 

Artists are victims of gossip. But really I was married while in the field. I had a son form my former wife Temerxa, called Shiden. People know him because I sang about him. Unfortunately he died of illness. Later I was married to Adiam, but the marriage did not work out. Now I am married to Ms. Aster Fessaheye. We have five children and we are happy. 

 

Your children’s names and ages? 

 

The eldest, Haren, is aged 12. The rest four, are two years apart. Their names are; Danay, Elshadit, Delina, Sesina. 

 

What future career do you want for your children? 

 

I have many wishes for them. But I think I should leave that to their own desires and potentials, so as not to be a constraint for them. 

 

How do you think should a singer/musician behave? 

 

Fihira: My wife Aster, is here. She can answer you. 
Ms. Aster [Fihira’s Wife]:  Strange enough, I’m not a music lover. On this issue, we are opposites with Tesfay. I know all the nature and problems facing a singer’s life. So, I believe that mutual trust is the basic ingredient here. I trust my husband. But let me tell you we do have many problems. For example, somebody phones our home and says: “Please, let me talk to Tesfay. He had a date with me and did not keep it. ” I tell them, “OK, I’ll tell him and he’ll come.” Some girls slip letters into our home. Telephone calls are continuous. Nowadays they have stopped calling because they have given up hope. They used to disturb me through this and other means. So back to your question: If there’s trust and the wife understands the nature of the job, she can face the challenges and overcome. So all of us, wives of artists, must be steadfast and trustworthy. And the singers need to be strong and faithful to their marriage vows. They must face all the challenges that arise. 

 

Tesfay, what must be the role and nature of a singer’s wife? (In relation to his late working hours, trips, and the drinks offered him, etc.) 

 

I want to add to what Aster said. Because of the nature of their work, singers have direct relationship with the public. They work late hours, travel a lot and the public adores them. They are always surrounded by admirers. It may vary from one individual to the other, but mostly the singer is forced to drink in order to please the public (admirers) who invite him and buy him/her drinks. As everyone knows artists are the focus and get the attention of everyone. If an artist makes even a small mistake, it is magnified everyone talks abut it. 

 

Let me give you an example. Once, Habte Wedi-Shawl had a small accident on his leg around the Cathedral area, Asmara. While his foot was still being treated (dressed,) the news traveled around a lot. Some in May-temenay heard that Wedi-Shawl had hurt his foot. Then, when he heard the news, he said: “Oh, how fast gossip travels. While I haven’t still risen form the place I was hurt at, in the Cathedral area, people in May-temenay heard about my treatment! ” I bring this in order to show: how fast gossip concerning artists, travels about. I urge the public to protect and embrace the artists. 

 

Now to answer the question: The artist’s wife is his partner. She should understand the nature of his job. She needs to enhance her trust, be mature, defy all gossip and heresy, encourage and support him, in order to help her husband become a better artist and person. This helps not only the individual singer but the national art. On the other hand, we singers/artists, starting from myself, must not abuse alcohol. We must learn to entertain ourselves and socialize by avoiding hard alcoholic drinks. We must resist the temptation of trying to please the public which offers you alcoholic drinks at the cost of your health and sobriety. 

 

Tell us about your feeling in your first stage appearance? 

 

My first appearance where I realized my long-time dream was in a town called Korbaria. It was during the liberation struggle (Revolution or Gedli) era. I can’t express my feeling at that time. 

 

What musical instruments can you play? And how useful is this ability to a singer? 

 

I play the “Kirar.” And the drums, but I haven’t followed these skills regularly. I can also use the guitar and organ (key-board) for writing melodies or tunes. We all took lessons on music notes. But since we did not follow it up and deepen it we couldn’t continue writing music using musical notes. I hope and plan to continue my musical note studies. May God help me! Its usefulness to singer is very clear. It enables him/her to become a professional musician. 

 

What is your observation concerning the discipline and progress of our artists? 

 

There are many artists who are well-disciplined, respect their colleagues and who are modest. But these comprise only a tenth of the total. But in my view, most of the musicians are ill-disciplined, don’t evaluate themselves properly, don’t respect people, and proper working hours, are show-offs, talk too much, and don’t work to improve themselves. 

 

What is your opinion regarding the patriotic sensitization (promotion) conducted by artists in comparison with that done the past? And how should it be? 

 

When you see it in relation to the time and the situation, the patriotic sensitization conducted by artists in the past was very powerful. During the armed struggle, our Front did not use powerful cannons and advanced weapons to fight against those deployed by the enemy. The only asset of our revolution was political consciousness. This enabled us to face all those huge challenges and win. I think the role of the artist in enhancing this patriotic consciousness and expressing the reality artistically was commendable. 
Even today, artists are working hard in this area. Many artists are rising and developing and producing much highly valuable artistic works. The difference, is today’s products are, unlike of the past, soon forgotten. The old products continue for a long time. So we must all work hard to produce works, like in the past that are universal and immortal. 

 

What in you opinion is the current role and contribution of our singers/artists in keeping up our cultural values? 

 

Before we speak about the singers/artists, first let us talk about the people in general. With all honesty our people have a great history of national liberation struggle. They have fought for justice and liberation and won. They are patriotic, honest and modest. They fought against all high odds for the sake of truth and justice. We artists are, naturally, the mirrors of the people. So, must not only march along side the public, but become its guiding force. We must play a leading role in enhancing, maintaining and passing along of the cultural values. 

 

But here arises the question: Are we up to this task? I’m not so sure. The challenges in today’s world are high. So we must work hard in order to face and overcome them? 

 

What do you have to say about the negative values or taboo that we have to combat as a nation? 

 

We need to avoid pretension, trying to be someone else, and looking down on others, to take yourself too seriously and show off. We need to respect professionalism and avoid disrespecting the profession. Others are gossiping, jealousy, instead of fighting them, following the negative values for personal gains. I believe everybody, including me, should avoid these bad traits. 

 

How do you define the cooperation among you, artists? 

 

There is a little cooperation. But I want to add to what Helen Melles said earlier in her interview with this magazine. I believe these traits like jealousy, pretension, trying to outdo others through gossip and defamation are becoming common. 

 

Do you have people helping you in writing music (lyrics and melody)? 

 

Up to now I have been writing my own material. But I have learned from experience that I need help from others and must help others. For example my work, “Ambasader” was sung by Estifanos Abraham (Zemach.) I did Yemane’s work, “Ferihelki,” and the result was good. So I believe that the change of style and cooperation is necessary. 

 

What is the role of musicians? And which musicians do you admire? Do you like traditional or modern music in your work? 

 

I believe that musicians should be trained in scientific means by professionals in their field. I respect those kind. I am not talking about those who sing in nightclubs and wedding ceremonies. We have some professionals who can teach us music. But these people, who can help the artists a lot, are currently only limited to teaching children to certain level. 
Recently a seminar workshop was conducted entitled, “Our music and its direction.” Many artists presented much constructive ideas during the seminar. I hope we may see the results. The role of properly trained musicians in the development of songs is clear and positive. 

 

I admire Luigi, Efrem, Abdella, Tesfamariam, Kaleb, Yemane Kidane and others that I did not mention here. I wish them great success and development, so they can improve our musical culture highly. 

I like all music, traditional and modern. I only need to work and continue my efforts to improve. 

 

When is your [next] album going to be released? I think you are late. 

 

Yes, you are right. I had already written and prepared a cassette. I sold the distribution rights to someone. They are late in distribution for some unknown technical reason. So I am just waiting for them. If they’re too tardy, I’ll just go ahead and prepare another cassette. The title is, “Desiet lebi” (island in the heart). It’s a love song. As for the rest of the songs, the content of the lyrics is half romance and half patriotic. 

 

How do you find the condition of music in the country? How do you see the lyrics (in songs)? Which is more important in a song, the melody or the words (lyric)? 

 

My ideas are similar to the evaluation given in the recent seminar concerning the situation of music in the country. Regarding our lyrics, except for those presented during the national holidays, most of the songs produced individually deal mostly with love/romance. Although singing about love is good, we should also focus on the other issues in our life and country, such as nation, identity, etc. I believe both sides of the song, the melody and the lyrics contribute to the song’s power and beauty. 

 

What is the meaning of music to you? And do practice for the dance part in your stage presentation? 

 

For me music is everything, love, happiness, struggle, success, steadfastness, etc. It is the reflection of life’s secret. In the past I used to practice for my stage appearances in front of the mirror. Not anymore. 

 

What type of character do you have? 

 

I feel uncomfortable talking about myself, because I am modest. I like truth and honesty, and do not like to annoy or harm others. I hate credit (loans), so if I owe somebody some money, I feel restless until I’ve returned that money. I feel very angry when someone harms or exploits me. I think that’s enough. 

 

Have you written songs based on your true life experiences? 

 

All my songs written during the revolution, war, struggle, the hardship, etc. are based on real experiences about the struggle. All my love songs are also based on my true life experiences. I hope to write my love experiences in a book in the future, because they area so many. We do not have the time to go into them. I have been very unlucky in love. 

 

How do you spend most of your time? 

 

I am a family man responsible for all my kids, wife and others. So, most of my time is taken by family affairs. Things like taking the kids to school and back, etc. I like reading newspapers, and Tigrinya novels. I also enjoy watching Eritrean (Tigrinya, etc.) films with my family over the week-ends regularly. When I get the time I prepare songs (lyrics, etc.). But when I travel abroad I have more time and privacy for my creative musical work. 

 

Any last advice to the youth concerning HIV/AIDS? 

 

Yes. We have to see and realize the times we are living in, is very challenging. The youth should avoid alcohol because it is misleading them to tragedy. They must also abstain from pre-marital sex. Please be careful. Even if those who have HIV, should not be demoralized but must carry on to lead a long life through care and support.