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Tsehaytu Beraki (Tigrinya: ጽሃይቱ በራኺ; 1 September 1939 – 24 May 2018) was an Eritrean musician, poet and political activist, known for her singing and playing of the krar (a five-string harp).[1][better source needed]
Tsehaytu Beraki | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1 September 1939 Quatit, Italian East Africa (now Eritrea) |
| Died | 24 May 2018 (aged 78) Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, kebero, krar |
Early life
editTsehaytu Beraki was born in 1939, in the small town of Quatit.[1] She had thought that she was born in Eritrea's capital city Asmara, but in fact only moved there as a baby.[2][better source needed] It was not until she returned to Asmara in 1999, that the full story was told to her by her sister Rishan.[2][better source needed]
Career
editBeraki started playing the krar, a five-stringed harp, when she was about eight years old, eventually playing at weddings and parties.[2] Her inspirations were Tsehaytu Ghergish, Fana Etel, and especially Tsehaytu Zennar, whose songs included Annes Ay keremneye Wala Hankas Yekunye (I need a man as soon as possible, even if he's crippled).[2]
Beraki left school at sixteen, and played the krar as her full-time career.[2] She wrote all of her own music and lyrics, and people would come from as far as Addis Ababa in Ethiopia to record her.[2] From 1964 onwards, her lyrics became more political, and "people were surprised that I dared to sing them".[2]
From March 1977, she became actively involved in the Eritrean independence struggle.[2] She eventually had to leave, moving to Sudan and in 1988, Rotterdam, Netherlands.[1] She returned to Asmara in 1999.[2]
As well as krar, Beraki played kebero and bass-krar.[1]
She created the album Selam on Terp Records in 2004.
References
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