Eritrea: Toff - Portrayal of Perseverance and the Fight Against All Odds

13 October 2021

Andom Ghebreslasie (Wedi-Khesi) is mostly known for his popular song titled "Embatat Adey". In his early childhood, he learned a great deal of oral literature from his family members. Playing the "Kirar," a traditional stringed musical instrument, helped him join a cultural troupe during the struggle for independence. He believes that Eritrea's modern and traditional songs of the 1960s were inspirational for his artistic works. He spends his spare time reading books, which, he says, takes him to another sphere of imagination. The accumulated experience in writing and producing songs enabled him to think about giving an account of his experience and that of his comrades in the battlefields in a book written in Tigrinya titled 'Toff,' roughly translated as 'Errand.' The book has recently been translated into English and is expected to be inaugurated on 23 October in Asmara. Mr. Andom has donated 10% of the income from the sales of the Tigrinya version of the book to martyrs' trust fund, 10% to the Association of War Disabled Veterans, and 5% for initiatives dedicated to the empowerment of the youth.

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