C cat.no.: TERP AS-07/08 Ttotal playing time: 2h.34m |
Format: Double-CD With 88-page book With history, interview, lyrics and photos. All in English and Tygrinia. Recorded between February 2000 and November 2003 Holland at the Koeienverhuur Studio in Purmerland by Dolf Planteydt. |
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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 polical 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 rivalling EPLF, she didnšt 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, where she still is. |
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I found Tsehaytu by coincidence
in Rotterdam, Holland, discouraged and not playing much anymore. I build
her a new krar and after some practice sessions, we decided to record
the CD together. There isnšt really much Eritrean music recorded, from
those days. The songs are as authentic as possible, Tsehaytu playing
all the instruments; the krar, kobero and bass-krar. To western ears
it is largely unknown music. These strange, beautiful rhythms and these
moving, almost blues-like ballads. The 17 songs are from different periods
of Tshehaytušs 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, out of respect and love for
Tsehaytu's music and person. She deserves to be well documented and
remain remembered as a great musician.
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| 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. I wanted to make this wonderful music available to the western music lovers, but of course I realise it is the heritage of Eritrean culture and I know how important Tsehaytu was for the Eritrean people, both young and old. |
TRACK LISTING
| CD 1 1. Atzmtom keskisom 2. Iley li habelmalet 3. Abashawel 4. Hallu 5. Harestai 6. Sport malet 7. Asmara 8. Freweini 9. Askarbay gomma |
CD 2 1. Bisenselet feqri 2. Mejemeria feqri 3. Simsim 4. Ilkanere beantebo 5. Lale bola 6. Kabacha meflayey 7. Ade 8. Selam |
| Hopefully you can help me spreading the news in the Eritrean community, so Eritreans know about this release. And make it in any way available to the public. If there are any suggestions or questions, please let me know. All the best, and lots of listening pleasure! - Terrie - Terrie Ex Information: Terp Records terp@theex.nl Tel.: +31-20 4713107 |
Mailorder: tsehaytu-CD@InsideEritrea.com
http://www.InsideEritrea.com
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