Tsehaytu Baraki (also spelled Tsehaytu Beraki) was an iconic Eritrean musician, poet, and political activist, widely celebrated for her mastery of the krar (a five-stringed lyre) and her powerful vocals. Her life and music are deeply intertwined with the history of Eritrea, particularly its struggle for independence. Musical Journey and Persona Tsehaytu Baraki was born in 1939 in Quatit, Eritrea, and began playing the krar at a young age, around eight years old. She quickly developed her skills, performing at weddings and parties. Her early musical inspirations included Tsehaytu Ghergish, Fana Etel, and especially Tsehaytu Zennar. By the age of sixteen, she had left school to pursue music full-time, making a living as a krar player and singer. Her Musical Style: * Krar Mastery: Tsehaytu Baraki was renowned for her exceptional skill on the krar. She didn't just accompany herself; she played the instrument with a profound understanding, often creating intricate and moving melodies that resonated with her powerful voice. She also played the kebero (traditional drum) and bass-krar. * Authenticity and Innovation: While deeply rooted in traditional Eritrean music, Tsehaytu's style was also unique. She wrote all of her own music and lyrics, distinguishing her from many artists who performed existing works. Her music blended traditional instruments and rhythms with a distinctive, almost blues-like feel, making it accessible and captivating to a wide audience. * telling and Emotion: Her songs often carried deep emotional weight, whether they were love songs, nationalist anthems, or social commentaries. She had a remarkable ability to convey complex emotions and narratives through her music. Musical Persona: Tsehaytu Baraki's persona was one of immense courage, independence, and strong national pride. She was known for her refusal to "bow down to anyone" and her dislike for subservience. This fearless attitude permeated her music, particularly as her lyrics became more politically charged. She was a pioneering figure, making it more societally acceptable for women to play the krar during a time when it was not always the norm. Her Musics and Albums #Notable Albums: * Selam (2004): This double-CD album, produced by the Dutch post-punk and free jazz group The Ex, is perhaps her most well-known and comprehensive release. It features a collection of her most important songs, along with newer compositions that reflect a sense of nostalgia and distance from her homeland. The album also includes an extensive 88-page book with an interview about her life, culture, and history, along with photos and lyrics in both English and Tigrinya, serving as a vital historical document. This album played a crucial role in bringing her music to a wider international audience. * Mejemerya Fikri: This album features some of her most popular songs, including the title track "Mejemerya Fikri" (My First Love). Several singles, such as "Hadareye" and "Aminie," were also released in the 1970s and are widely beloved. Popular Songs: Some of her most popular and enduring songs include: * "Mejemerya Fikri" (My First Love) * "Aminie" * "Hadarey" * "Abashawel" (named after the neighborhood in Asmara where she lived) * "Annes Ay keremneye Wala Hankas Yekunye" (I need a man as soon as possible, even if he's crippled) - a song by her inspiration Tsehaytu Zennar that she also performed. * "Freweini" (Grape) * "Kabacha Meflayey" (To separate from you) * "Deki Bedama Abiden" (Housemaids gone crazy) Political Activities Tsehaytu Baraki was not just a musician; she was a fervent political activist whose music served as a powerful tool for resistance and national consciousness during Eritrea's long struggle for independence from Ethiopia.#ethiopian_tik_tok🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹 #ethiopian_tik_tok #eritreantiktok🇪🇷🇪🇷habesha #fypシ゚ @ቅ•ዱ•ስ captures #ethiopia #tsehaytuberaki #Ethiopiamusic #Addisababa #videoviral #Music #creatorsearchinsight - @smoothsounds6