A millennial heritage
Eritrean music is rooted in the ancient civilization of Aksoum (3rd century BC–7th century), whose Coptic religious texts and Tigrigna Orthodox liturgical music constitute one of Africa’s oldest musical heritages. Its position as a crossroads between the Red Sea, Ethiopia, and the Arab world made it a crucible of traditions.
Tigrinya music
Tigrinya music is the dominant form in Eritrea, historically centered around Asmara, where cinema and music flourished during the Italian era (1890–1941). Traditional instruments include the krar (5- or 6-string bowl lyre tuned to a pentatonic scale), the kebero (large sacred drum used in Coptic liturgy and ceremonies), the masenqo (monochord bow lute), the wata (reed flute) and the emblta, a gourd chordophone typical of Tigray.
The golden age of Asmara
Under Italian administration, Asmara became a cultural crossroads with a vibrant musical scene, influenced by American radio stations (Kagnew Station) and Western music. The 1940s–60s saw the birth of mixed Italo-Eritrean orchestras and a true golden age of recorded Tigrinya music. The MaTA (Asmara Theatre Association) was an active center for musical dissemination.
Music and the struggle for independence
The long war of independence (1961–1991) profoundly marked Eritrean music. Songs served as vectors of resistance and identification; coded lyrics inspired the population. Artists like Tesfay Gebre (martyr of independence) became mythical figures. The Eritrean diaspora has kept these traditions alive worldwide.
Instruments
- Krar — 5-6 string pentatonic bowl lyre, the emblematic instrument of Tigrinya music
- Kebero — large cylindrical drum, used in liturgical ceremonies
- Emblta — gourd chordophone instrument, typical of Tigray
- Wata — traditional reed flute
- Mesejenno — vertical bamboo flute
References
[1] « Music of Eritrea », Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Eritrea. [2] « Dive into an odyssey exploring Eritrea’s music scene », WePresent, https://wepresent.wetransfer.com/stories/music-in-eritrea-allyn-gaestel. [3] The Role of Music In the Eritrean Struggle for Independence, Academia.edu, https://www.academia.edu/280600/The_Role_of_Music_In_the_Eritrean_Struggle_for_Independence.
