“I Truly believe YPFDJ is a Booster for Eritrean Public diplomacy”, Berhane Semere
By Milka Teklom
https://shabait.com/2021/10/01/i-truly- ... eaPrevails
Q & A
Oct 1, 2021
Berhane is a patriot, whose dedication and contribution to the Eritrean community in London is one of a kind. A leader of the YPFDJ, he designed the now famous logo of YPFDJ. He firmly believes in the effect of soft power and has consistently been working to fight against the misconstrued representation of Eritrea, by the international community. Berhane is also a singer, striving to infuse different genres of music into Eritrean traditional music. His community refers to him as: “the voice of the community”. Here is the journey of a man, who is part of a great history.
Welcome back to Eritrea. Please introduce yourself to our readers?
Thank you! My name is
Berhane Semere. I was born and raised in Asmara and then moved to London, when I was a teenager. I have been living in London, for almost 27 years. I had a diploma in graphic design and was working on it, when I came across a course called designing city and architectural planning. Currently, I am working for my master’s degree in it. I am also a part time singer and the chairman of eight YPFDJ chapters, in the United Kingdom. Sometimes, I give virtual lectures on Photoshop. I also serve as the host, for
Meadna YouTube channel.
It is widely believed that people who participate in everything never excel in anything, but you’ve proved that wrong. How do you do that?
Honestly, it is hard to juggle everything and I have to sacrifice something now and then. But I have a lot of passion for the things I do, especially the ones that are related to Eritrea; such as public diplomacy in the media.
You were part of the history that happened, during the Eritrea- Ethiopia border war. Tell us about it?
The history happened, in 2000. A couple of my friends and I were participating in the parliament debates mainly to lobby some officials, in order to raise awareness about the war. While doing that, I somehow heard that the Ethiopians in London were going to have a demonstration the next day. So we urgently had a meeting and I convinced the Eritrean community that we needed to have a counter attack, and the community did not fail me. So we printed posters all night and went to have our own protest. The protest went on for seven days, we blocked the road & it was on every news station. The more people heard about it, the more they came to participate. I was imprisoned on the spot but was let go, after several hours. It was an effective demonstration, because it made our cause and Eritreans as a people more visible to the world. This event is covered in a book called:
Mekete.
What pushed you, to go into graphic design?
As a kid I used to love to paint, and I like art in general. When the opportunity came to study graphic design, I was so pleased. After studying graphic design I went on to design many posters emphasizing on the activities of the Eritrean diaspora such as fund raising events, cycling festivals, Independence Day celebrations and commemorations of Martyrs Day; as well as magazines and calendars. I also design logos; the famous one, being the one I did with the YPFDJ.
Your engagement with the YPFDJ is undeniable; so tell us the role of YPFDJ in the London community?
I truly believe that YPFDJ is a booster, for Eritrean public diplomacy. It spreads the idea, that the Eritrean youth must continue to be leaders within their communities in the Diaspora and to serve as ambassadors for Eritrea. It also tightens the bond among the young generations, in the Diaspora.
Let’s talk about your music?
Music, is a great part of my life. I haven't got the chance to do it full time yet, but I do try to include it in every aspect of my work. So far I have released eight singles; many of them refer to Eritrea’s current situation. I like collaborating and modernizing our traditional music. I write most of my lyrics and also produce melodies. Since I have a lot of passion for music, I did interview some of the famous Eritrean singers on Maedna YouTube channel during the early stages of Covid- 19.
What is aired, on Meadna?
Meadna, as a website, started in 2004 and its main content was information of the activities of the diaspora community. It was quite well known and served the London community and others. As a YouTube channel it airs all the activities of the community, virtual discussion aimed at raising awareness about mass migration, updates on covid-19 vaccination as well as entertaining programs such as interviews of famous singers.
What's your future plan?
We are living, in a war of narratives. So what I want to accomplish is to spread the message that negative press is a fact of life, and the best way to combat negative online press is to increase positive online press. Also, with the help of the Eritrean community, I want to create a satellite television station. I have no doubt it will be accomplished soon, because the diaspora community is not the type of community to say no to anything related to its nation.
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To Young talents “…Keep Learning, Be Patient, and Change Your Desire into Reality”
By Samuel Habtemichael
https://shabait.com/2021/10/01/to-young ... eaPrevails
Q & A
Oct 1, 2021
Before music, he was into football; to such an extent that many of the people around him believed he would become a professional player. Besides, he grew up as a sports fan and frequented basketball and swimming as well. In the artistic world, he took a one-year course in puppetry at a young age.
Greet Meron Estifanos, aka wed-zemach, one of Eritrea’s young aspiring artists. He had his breakthrough when he became a finalist at the Shingrwa Academy, an Eritrean TV show for voice talents. Following the years of his discovery, Meron has proved to be a star in the making. His major record hits include ‘kemfqadki’ (his first official hit), ‘kelo giena’, ‘yhalfeley’do’, ‘ayzanen’ye’ … the list goes on. So far, Meron has been performing at big events. Hej has done various collaborations, covers and not to forget, his movie soundtracks. We had a nice talk with him, here are the excerpts.
Can you please briefly tell us, about your childhood and educational background?
First, I would like to thank you. My name is Meron Estifanos & was born in 1991. I attended my pre-school, elementary, junior, and High School in the port city of Massawa. Then I went to Sawa, to complete my secondary education. After sitting for the matriculation exams, I joined the Eritrean Institute of Technology (EIT) and did my first degree in Educational Administration. Parallel to my music, I also teach at Barka Secondary School and I am a member of the ‘
Kewakbti Rim’ musical troupe.
Who was your biggest inspiration, for music?
Of course, growing up in a family of musicians has its own impact. I believe the way I was nurtured has influenced me a lot, in directing me towards music. I can recall now, that my mother used to study and practice some musical instruments. But then again, being one of the renowned artists in the country, my father’s influence on me to become fond of music is indisputable. Indeed, I have learned a lot from him in every aspect of my living. Besides, my father is also the main inspiration for my reading habits. To your surprise, however, my biggest inspiration for music is
Temesgen Gebreslasie (
Taniqo).
When did you realize, that music is what you wanted to do most?
I can reminisce now that my father was very hesitant, at first, of me getting involved in music activities. I remember, at one point in time, shortly after I joined music school to play the flute, he made me quit. He was so determined at guiding me to pursue my education successfully and helped me hold on to my academy seriously. I believe his persistence worked out well. Coming to the point, it must be around the year 2013; some of my friends would often take me to their music practice at EIT. I already had an insight into music, but I was not fully participating. I would occasionally suggest adjustments during their rehearsals. One thing led to another and luckily, inter-college competitions were on the way. I took the chance and with the help of my colleagues, we produced an audio entitled ‘
Collegey’. After that, I started reading music books frequently, and then came
Shingrwa.
How do you describe the experience of Shingrwa. Biggest takeaways?
Honestly speaking, it wasn’t as easy as it seems. The fact that my father was there all the time as one of the judges in the academy, made it a bit harder. This made it obvious that I had to exert extra effort, to prove myself. However, the overall experience was thrilling and I really enjoyed every bit of it. The platform granted me, great publicity. I would not have been here, if it was not for Shingrwa. I personally got to meet great instructors and role models such as
Barnabas Mebrahtu, Mohammed Salih, and many more. To wrap it up, I would say it was a leapfrogging event.
Public reaction, to your works of music?
Oh, what can I say? Fantastic! I get different opinions and compliments every now and then, and by this, I would say is the way I gauge the publicity I have been honored with. It is an indication, of how much music the general public admires and how much the fans are into music. So far, the public reactions are encouraging and will always play a leading role in helping me reach the summit of my artistic capacity.
Principles you follow, in your music?
Personally, I have three major principles in my list of making music. First, I consider substance; which includes depth and content, as a vanguard for my work of music. The second is, the crispness of my music. I try to employ every procedure to be artistically competitive and the third is trying to make my music in a way that can be enjoyed, by all age groups. I do my level best, to incorporate and reflect these three principles and more in the works I pick.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Musically speaking, I have a lot in my mind. Currently, I am working on singles, but of course, an album is inevitable and it’s on its way. Five years from now, I see myself doing much more. I am trying my best to progress every single day; hopefully, I intend to present my music on continental or international stages. Yes, help me God! I have a list of points in my resolution and I believe I am working hard, towards that end.
Major difficulties you encountered, in your music career?
I strongly believe that in doing music, we should serve the needs of the public. In doing so, one must make good use of every bit of a second. Time is a major factor and fruitful music, needs all of it. I have told you that I am also a teacher and sometimes things may seem inflexible and can hold you back, but I am managing it all together. I know there are many talented citizens out there in quest of better attention, platform, and a chance to seek and reach more. Certainly, hard work is important in any sphere and I believe the future holds a lot better for us all.
Any message you would like to give, to young and aspiring talents?
The note that I would like to leave for young talents, especially those musically passionate, is that they should first and foremost stay academically well equipped, learn more, be patient and take as much time as they could to develop their skills, tune to more and variety of music, bear in mind music is not to be taken lightly and last but not least, they ought to alter their ambition into action.
It was a pleasure, talking to you. I hope, you realize all your dreams!
Thank you, very much!
