On November 15, 2024, the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS) hosted an unforgettable cultural and literary performance at the Eritro-German Hall in Asmara. This multifaceted event, part of NUEYS’s broader mission to preserve Eritrea’s intangible cultural heritage, incorporated literature, music, and performance art to inspire the nation’s youth and reinforce traditional values.
The event also marked the relaunch of the television program “ቅርዓት መንእሰያት”, a collaborative initiative between NUEYS and the Ministry of Information, which had been on hiatus. The program is designed to encourage reading and promote Eritrean literature among young people. For this event, NUEYS partnered with the Miras Cultural Troupe, a group established in 2014 under the Commission of Culture and Sports, to create a colorful and engaging experience for the audience.
At the heart of the evening was a tribute to two of Eritrea’s literary icons, whose contributions to the nation’s cultural and literary landscape are immense. Solomon Tsehaye, a renowned historian, researcher, and oral poetry expert, and Asmerom Habtemariam, a celebrated playwright and poet, were honored for their lifelong dedication to Eritrean literature and oral traditions.
The two luminaries performed selections from their respective works showing how poetry, when performed with passion and precision, transcends mere words to become a communal experience. Unlike conventional written poetry, oral poetry requires not just recitation but also an emotional and physical embodiment of the words. Solomon’s performance highlighted his meticulous research into Eritrean oral traditions, while Asmerom’s reading demonstrated his skill in crafting emotionally charged narratives. Their presentations transformed the stage into a living mosaic of Eritrea’s oral heritage.
In addition to celebrating established figures, the event provided a platform for emerging poets and writers to share their talents. Well-known contemporary authors such as Meles Nguse, Ghirmay Abraham, and Efrem Habtetsion presented excerpts from their published works, showcasing the budding vitality of modern Eritrean literature.
A particularly engaging segment featured readings from aspiring writers whose works are yet to be published. Among them was Feriha Ahmed, who captivated the audience with a satirical short story imagining a world where cockroaches take revenge on humans for years of mistreatment. Her humor and originality marked her as a rising talent to watch. Senait Okbe, another standout performer, delivered an original story with a composed and deliberate style, drawing the audience into her narrative. Other young voices, including Noh Goitom, Matewos Abraha, Mehari Okbamichael, Yihays Kiros, Issayas Woldu, Shishay Haileab, Ibrahim Ismael, and Aron Tesfalem. showcased a variety of themes and styles, reflecting the breadth of creativity within Eritrea’s youth.
To ensure the event maintained a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, it was punctuated by music, comedy, and cultural performances. The famous singer Mussie Mekonen, popularly known as Esege, performed two soulful songs on the kirar, providing a melodic interlude that resonated with the audience.
Comedian Hak Yohannes brought humor and levity to the evening, delivering culturally relevant jokes that struck a balance between entertainment and thoughtful social commentary. His performance demonstrated the important role of humor in bridging generational and cultural gaps.
The Miras Cultural Troupe further elevated the event with vibrant performances, including traditional dances and dramatic enactments. Their ability to integrate traditional art forms into a modern setting added texture to the evening, transforming what could have been a standard literary gathering into a lively and immersive cultural celebration.
The event was organized by NUEYS’s Cultural Unit, which is committed to integrating similar projects across the organization’s seven regional branches. The initiative aims to create a sustainable framework for cultural engagement, ensuring that Eritrea’s artistic heritage continues to thrive.
One of the immediate focuses, at the moment, is the branch in Sawa, which is hosting a week-long student fair to further engage young audiences. By bringing literary and cultural performances to different regions, NUEYS hopes to foster a nationwide appreciation for Eritrean arts and literature.
Feedback from the audience was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed a strong desire for similar events to be organized regularly, emphasizing the importance of cultural engagement in a rapidly changing world. One audience member noted the significance of engaging the youth in such activities, particularly in light of the global decline in reading habits.
Performing literary works in an accessible and engaging manner is proving to be an effective strategy for rekindling interest in Eritrea’s literary traditions. By merging literature with music, performance, and humor, NUEYS is creating a holistic approach to cultural preservation and youth engagement. Through initiatives like this, NUEYS continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing the nation’s cultural identity while inspiring the next generation to embrace and contribute to its artistic legacy.
Written by Sona Berhane