The most “divisive” single of our time?

by Tamiru Geda

I am not a traitor unlike Siye Abraha and his cohorts…” Artiste Solomon Tekalign

Artiste Solomon Telakilign broke his silence for the first time, in connection with his latest album that roused mixed reaction among his fans. He said that he is neither “public enemy” nor “traitor” unlike others that he accused of “ selling” the country, joined opposition political groups and received warm welcome .

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Solomon ,whose latest album has become a turning point for diverse reactions, has responded to those criticisms and defended himself . He told one Washington-based radio host: “I don’t know why they said so. Am I a number one public enemy that is worse than Ato Siye Abraha and his cohorts , who sold the country and now being worshiped like celebrities? I am not a traitor nor a corrupt person. I didn’t put a penny into my pockets from public fund. I didn’t break my promise and my faith as well .To the contrary, those people (Siye Abraha and Gebru Aserat )who sold Ethiopia, who made Ethiopia to be land locked country traveled to the USA and they have been offered red carpets,” said the saddened Solomon. “When he (Siye ) has launched his new book , in America, he received a heroic welcome .People stood in long queues waiting for his autograph. By leaving my families behind, I traveled to the Eritrean desert, in support of the armed struggle . I also participated in various anti-EPRDF demonstrations. I do not regret what I have done.”

Solomon’s latest single that proposes who should lead Ethiopia for next term, about the physical appearance (including his eyebrows), his wisdom etc.., of his next choice as prime minster that is linked to Meles Zenawi’s position. It is also said his song seems an attempt to give the ruling party , EPRDF, a huge lift and to the contrary ,to undermine the role of opposition parties and their supporters , in the democratic process in Ethiopia.

His critics also said that his single has been contributed as an appeasement , for the ruling party , that proclaimed a landslide victory in the recent controversial Ethiopian National Election .

“Solomon has already abandoned the pro- unity groups and joined the EPRDF .He hasn’t yet paid the price for the bad images he has got already among the people who used to consider him a national icon during those public gatherings and demonstrations”, said one activist , who claimed he met Solomon in different demonstration , prior May 2005 election .

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Mezegbu( not his real name) ,former writer for one local entertainment newspaper, exiled in America told this writer that Solomon’s album is weird “ In our culture men singers sing songs for women or vise versa .But here Solomon tries to sing for his idol : about the beauty of someone ( same-sex) eyebrows. That is absolutely amusing .In my long aged career ,as entertainment news writer and music critic, I never heard of a single Ethiopian artist ,who sang a song for “ grooming” the same sex. If there is any, please let me know.

“Solomon has all the right to express his opinion like anybody else .But it is not fair trying to misguide the people as to who they should choose or adore. Specially for artistes like Solomon ,who are public figures, it is better restrain themselves from giving controversial remarks and songs , that would incite people,” the erstwhile journalist further commented .


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NewsDire Contributor
Tamiru Geda
Edited by Gubae Gundarta