[dehai-news] butterfly son in N.Y

Butterfly Wedi  Tikabo’s song in New York              Tesfai Abraham (Asbu)
 
And here we go again…, Wedi Tikabo’s song came alive in New York during the 
Presidential gathering as it did in Asmara Stadium in May 24, 2011 independence 
day. The song Tsim-b-la-lie (Butterfly) by Yohannes Tikabo, due to its strong 
lyrical and musical appeal shined in Manhattan center New York City. Even though 
I was not personally there, the experience seemed fun, joyful, exciting and felt 
the love of my people in one place for one purpose. As H.E. President Isaias 
Afwerki and delegates entered the Manhattan Center they were received with 
standing ovation and cheerful roar a show of pleasure and satisfaction. The 
President gathering must have been gratifying and satisfying for the leaders and 
participants as they cheered the moment-away accompanied by great songs that 
included Butterfly.
 What is it that makes most his song unique? 
 I will start with some: --- Catchy melody (hooks) 
                                    --- Lyric with strong Eritrean appeal
                                    --- The character (of the song) has a strong 
desirable personality
                                    --- Strength (very clear and powerful 
message) 

For me, a great song has to resonate in some way in my memory, either lyrically 
or musically, long after I've heard it. Great songs come back year after year 
and evoke old emotions anew and sometime find something new, or rediscover the 
original. It is the harmonic blending of the sound, the story and the rhythm 
that evoke emotions and arouse my imagination. Wedi Tikabo’s lyrics have a vivid 
metamorphosis and images that transcend time and place. Not only does it rhyme; 
it has a strong rhythmic feel to its verses. 

 It is eight minutes long, complex and pleasant. When I first heard, it was 
after H.E. President Isaias Afewerki concluded his speech during the 20Th 
anniversary of Eritrean independence. It was a dramatic finish to a lively 
program that brought the audience to their feet. As he was performing, the 
lighting was adequate; the set design was simple but effective; and the 
pixilated life images used in place of back projector -- great idea. 

 Ultimately, the music and lyric was accessible; oddly familiar yet refreshing; 
playful but serious; and appealing to Eritreans. And despite the meaningful 
contradictions and complex mishmash of lyrical styles, he kept the crowd 
captivated by a sensation that they were witnessing something entirely new. The 
lighting was beautifully matching the sound, creating a sensory texture that 
jabbed straight in the spinal cord. Definitely, a warm rush of blood to the 
head, causing neck hair to stand up along the way…
It was a brilliant show on beautiful winter. Sometimes it is all timing-a song 
hits you at a time of change, attaches itself readily and becomes associated 
with that experience of changing time. Wedi Tekabo comes along and resuscitates 
us with a refreshingly positive, yet solid, dose of a new metamorphosis that 
define our strength and unity under one Allah(Mesgid) and God(Debre). 

Butterfly: in short can be defined as Emerging. Even though I am not able to 
sort his lyrical message without knowing what was going on through his mind; 
allow me to express my personal assessment of his Lyrics.
 Simply, Wadi Tekabo, as a singer, song writer and performer has managed to 
convey his message by symbolizing chronological transitions (metamorphosis) of a 
butterfly and, how it deals with its formation, growth and development phases. 
Those stages represent how Eritrea survived through challenging period and 
emerged a sovereign state because of the patience, integrity, responsibility, 
religious harmony, synchronization of national development and national Defense 
and sacrifices of Warsai and Yekealo. Wedi Tekabo managed to direct us to be 
vigilant and that our umbrella should be impenetrable from any kind of acidic 
rain, temporary flashing lightning, roaring thunder that simply fades-out even 
if Eritrea, the Butterfly, was encircled and entrapped by traitors from within 
and outside by evil thoughts and deeds.
 Finally, what makes our Independence Day anniversaries, national holiday 
celebrations, and  vital occasions lively are the organizing committee, like the 
Manhattan Center, Eid Al Fitir and Kudus Yohannes unique is a combination of 
many factors. It is not just the obvious ones such as a great dance, music, 
performance, attentive audience etc… But it is also an opportunity to highlight 
the importance of event organizers, music writers and lyricists, instrument 
players, dancers and security officers and the like that contribute mightily to 
the success of these events but go on unrecognized.
 TV ERI, thank you and congratulation on the success for putting on an inspiring 
events, anniversaries and educational programs to our homes inside and outside 
the country. And also my thanks go to every singers and musicians who always 
contribute patriotic national songs and participated in various occasions from 
within and all the talented singers and musicians from abroad.
  
 Long live Eritrea!

 Tesfai Abraham (Asbu)


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