Shingrwa the Gem

By Amanuel Biedemariam

Like most Eritrean’s with access to Eri.Tv who flocked to see Shingrwa for the drama, entertainment, music and all that it entailed, we watched as much as the schedule allowed with great interest and intent on observing what Shingrwa meant to Eritrea, and I wasn’t disappointed. It is possible to come up with much critical observation in the process that took place in a span of a year. However, regardless of what could be said negative, Shingrwa concluded successfully.

While it is important to acknowledge Shingrwa solicited for comments, suggestions and criticism regularly in an effort to help improve the show, the program needs to evaluate itself in order to improve the shows impact further.

Overview:

The interviews Shingrwa conducted with experts from different fields were superb, charming, entertaining, educational and window into Eritrea’s creative history. The contributors expressed their expertise brilliantly and gave the show credibility, perspective, ascertained importance and most importantly inspired the participants. However, the interviews were so good that they deserved to stand on their own as a separate show that runs parallel Shingrwa to support and complement it.

The judges were exactly what Shingrwa needed. They took the right approach from the get go particularly because they tried to lift the standard to a higher level. They taught the participants how to sing and what is expected of them. The judges showed humility, tremendous knowledge of their field and most importantly, they showed understanding of what Shingrwa means in relation to our nation and the obligation to the martyrs, compelling for a talent show. However, it is natural for many to express their dissatisfaction with the judgment. Here is why: Shingrwa is a competition and Tedros Mengistu won! Eritrean stardom is never handed it is earned.

The Fun part:

Shingrwa played and will play a major role in the future of Eritrea culturally, socially, and most importantly musically.

Culturally:

Eritrean music is diverse and representative of all the cultures. The judges needed to understand the issues and show sensitivity, which they have done well as they expressed on their closing remarks by urging participation of women and the publics. When and if Eritrean culture is represented well, the program becomes relevant.

Socially:

It was emotionally steering to watch interviews conducted by Eritrean journalist on the steps of Cinema Roma (Cinema Asmara would have been better) with the participants of the final event, an event that signified a unique transitional moment, signaling of a social transformation.

For decades, music played central role in the socio-historical make up of the Eritrean psyche and road to independence, as inspiration, guide, consolation, and many relevant ways. Eritrea was forced to use music mainly in a patriotic manner in order to rally, inspire and inform by necessity. As a result, it is possible to hear people say that Eritrean music is not romantic or, it is music related to our nationalism.

Shingrwa opens a new door and a new day of transition for the music seen from the days of the struggle to liberation, to the hands of individual musicians by highlighting individual stardom, “Shingrwa!” For the first time in the history of Eritrea, Eritrean artists, musicians and representation of our leadership congregated to celebrate stardom. The stars showed up and a new day is here in the life of this new beautiful nation that we all love, Erei! Testament and result of years of hard work, dedication, sacrifice and love for Eritrea.

Musically:

Every Eritrean knows how significant it is to have the support and participation of our legends, Bereket Mengisteab and Memhir Alamin Abduletif as leaders and examples of Eritrean musical heritage! It was the passing of the torch even if the judges didn’t feel there was a fitting recipient. It was fitting to head off the show with Meley by Bereket and Abay Abashawel by Alamin

The Gem of Shingrwa

As a kid, my older brothers took me to see theater in Cinema Odeon and other venues to see Eritrean musicians, comedians and actors perform. It was well organized, full of political message filled drama and comic skids performed by high caliber performers such as Memhir Solomon and many others who left a living legacy for generations to come. You never knew what to expect and it was always reflective of how we lived or how we wanted to live and it was entertaining and funny. I hope those who recollect can tell their stories to keep the torch lit forever, deservingly.

One beautiful night in Asmara, a night I remember vividly, I saw many of the acts and heard songs. However, the performance that resonated and telling of the political environment of the time was delivered by Memhir Alamin Abduletif. A song called, “Seb N Kebdu Tiray Aykonen Zinebir,” an expression that urges one to see and live beyond self. He was dressed as a beggar and destitute homeless, wearing a traditional white outfit that turned brown from dirt. A song many thought will land him in jail. Why the need to bring it up?

To congratulate Memhir Alamin Abduletif for shedding the ugly outfit symbolic of the oppressive dark colonial days and for replacing it with his graceful traditional white outfit fitting for the night. To thank Memhir Alamin, Bereket and all Eritrean musicians for their courage, vision, bravery, dedication and settle leadership that span decades. To honor all those who contributed to Eritrean music in a way unseen any where in the world. To acknowledge Bereket Mengisteab, Memhir Alamin and others for the role they voluntarily assumed as fathers to young talents, to thank Shingrwa for taking ownership the right way with the right attitude. In addition, to assure Eritrean everywhere that we have leaders, steady leaders who are solid and spread though out the wider spectrum. They will assure continuation and strengthen the future of Erei!

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