Alemu Aga: Harp of Stillness
The begena's ancient Ethiopian tradition of contemplative stillness, championed by Alemu Aga, subtly shapes the deep nostalgia heard in Mulatu Astatke's 'Tezeta'.
Tracklist
- Tizita — Alemayehu Fanta
- The Homeless Wanderer — Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou
- Medinana Zelesegna — Alemu Aga
- Alem Marefiya Nat (The World Is A Place To Rest) — Alemu Aga, Seyoum Mengistu, Admassu Fikre, Tafesse Tesfaye
- Aba Gragn Mote — Alemu Aga
- Tezeta (Nostalgia) — Mulatu Astatke
- Nafeken — Gigi
- Tizita — Krar Collective
Transcript
Welcome to OffStereo. Hope your afternoon's going well. Let's dig in.
Tizita — Alemayehu Fanta
The begena, an ancient ten-stringed lyre often called 'David's Harp,' carries an oral tradition dating back 3,000 years to Queen Sheba and King Solomon. Its sound fosters a deep, contemplative nostalgia, much like the mood evoked in Alemayehu Fanta's 'Tizita.'
The Homeless Wanderer — Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou
Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou dedicated her life to spiritual reflection through music, mirroring the begena's sacred purpose. This instrument, primarily used for prayer and meditation by Ethiopian Christians, especially during Lent, uniquely encourages inner stillness, a quality shared with Emahoy's 'The Homeless Wanderer.'
Medinana Zelesegna — Alemu Aga
Born in 1950, Alemu Aga began playing the begena at age 12, later becoming its most respected living master. He states that the instrument's sound 'has the power to make them very quiet,' regardless of language, as heard in his profound performance of 'Medinana Zelesegna.'
Alem Marefiya Nat (The World Is A Place To Rest) — Alemu Aga, Seyoum Mengistu, Admassu Fikre, Tafesse Tesfaye
Unlike most instruments that 'stimulate physical movements,' the begena uniquely fosters profound spiritual contemplation, as noted by teacher Sisay Demissie. This deep reflection on God is central to Alemu Aga's work, including 'Alem Marefiya Nat (The World Is A Place To Rest),' recorded with other begena masters.
Aba Gragn Mote — Alemu Aga
Alemu Aga's dedication to preserving the begena is profound; he taught at the Yared Music School and continues to research the instrument. He expressed his main purpose: 'to revive this instrument, that is a big cultural heritage of the country,' a heritage he shares in his contemplative piece, 'Aba Gragn Mote.'
Tezeta (Nostalgia) — Mulatu Astatke
The contemplative spirit of the begena subtly influences many forms of Ethiopian music, even those without the instrument itself. Mulatu Astatke’s 'Tezeta (Nostalgia)' echoes this deep sense of reflection and longing, a feeling intrinsically linked to the begena's meditative tradition.
Nafeken — Gigi
The enduring legacy of the begena's stillness and spiritual depth resonates through contemporary Ethiopian artists. Gigi's powerful vocals in 'Nafeken' carry a similar profound emotional weight, demonstrating how ancient contemplative traditions continue to inspire new expressions in Ethiopian sound.
Tizita — Krar Collective
From ancient traditions to modern interpretations, the begena’s influence on Ethiopian music and its capacity for stillness remains undeniable. Krar Collective’s rendition of 'Tizita' celebrates this timeless cultural heritage, proving Alemu Aga’s work has ensured the begena’s meditative power endures for future generations.
Thank you for listening to OffStereo. May the profound stillness we explored today echo long after the music fades, bringing a quiet peace to your world.