It is known
to everybody that there had never been time in the history of Oromia under Ethiopian
empire that Oromo artists work in peace and develop our culture. During Haile Sillassie
time, well known eastern Oromia artists were forced to leave their country which
in most cases they move to Somalia. In some cases the government of Haile
Sillasie hunts them down in Somalia through the security forces of the empire. Those
who remain behind were just reduced to local singers.
During Derg
time, most of the artists were forced to work for the junta. Moreover they were
under heavy censorship. If they manage to evade the censorship and sing something
important about an Oromo cause, it obviously lands them in prison which in most
cases ends in torture and killing. But
still they manage to teach us much and develop our culture.
The Worst
happens to our artists under the TPLF led government of Ethiopian empire. Under
the present government, Oromo artists were killed or just disappeared or in
most cases they were imprisoned and tortured. Some were forced to be the member
of Oromo people’s democratic organization (OPDO) and forced to work for the
party without their will. But most are forced to leave their beloved country
and people. Recently, it is reported that the legendary artist Fayessa Furi was forced to leave his country.
Adugna Dinka (re_appear1@yahoo.co.uk)
