Of the five human senses, the one with the longest memory is the sense of smell followed by hearing. Clark Richert, my painting instructor from the college years told me that he used to spray his painting with oddest perfume in order to strike a chord in the memory of viewers. After some research, studies’correlating senses and long term memory were rarer than a Peaguet in America.
As I stepped in to the elevator with a room full of ladies, the combination of perfumes was nauseating. Yet one distinct smell was poignant, and I remembered a certain someone who I haven’t seen or thought about in a decade. Thus all the proof needed to validate the theory.
Ah memory, such a wonderful thing!
A POW after being released from imprisonment for thirty five years did an interview for one of newspaper. How did he do it? How was he able not to lose hope? He said he reminiscent through his childhood over and over till he regained all his memories. He claimed all the way to that point where he was sucking his mother’s nipples. Go figure!
Devoid digressing, I heard the Begena. That sound, amazing! I hark back to a great deal. As the saying goes, Dawitim be’Begena… There are two versions, Dawit used the Begena to sooth King Sual’s nerves when he had insomnia or strictly religious Dawit praised god beBegena.
You don't know where the feeling comes from but an aura of deep spiritual meditation pervades the performer and his environment when a Begena is played” –Alemu Aga
Indeed it’s soothing. So I reminiscence the dreaded Abiy Tsome and Kedase I was strongly encouraged to participate in. I realize now that I miss being devoid of meat for two months and finally waking up to an early morning feast off to all the Doro my minuscule tummy could handle. What do you remember?
Published by August 26th, 2006 in Childhood and Music.
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betam arif zefen…
all I remember is the smell of cow gut. Yes, it’s true it sooth’s the soul, but I think it would be so cool if it’s mixed with Hip-Hop beat and see what happens…
Do you think radio stations in Addis will play Gebena influenced music other than religion on the radio?
Nolawi,
Where did you get this song? Is it a CD? Where can I get it from? I love it! Thanks.
Debulbul, I found the song in my collection online hidden, it had no name… but after a little research i feel maybe the song is Alemu Aga.. but I’m not sure…
two cds featuring alemu aga this or this
anywa
totally got me there:) I guess reading helps:)
Nolawi, this is great…thanks for playing it. Where did you get it? Do you think i can find the CD in any habesha store? If i can’t find the CD you have to let me borrow it.
konjit see above two links.. buy it online
The dude is dead and I don’t think there is a copyright issue… Nol, why don’t you post it for everyone to download?
^ qededa, I wont do that, we need to support our music. let everyone buy it.
Nolawi–Thank you for a great post. Alem Aga is definitely one of the remaining masters of the Begenna. My favorite Begena mezmur has alwasy been “Tew Semagnn Hagere.” This hymn just evokes and stirs memories like no other. I’ll send it you so you can up it for other readers. Qededa-I’m sure you’ll be happy to hear that Alemu Aga is very much alive. Go out and support him by purchasing Ethiopiques 11-The Harp of King David here
Thank you Nolawi this is beautiful. From the few Begena players I heard no one sounded that eloquent. Alemu has such a divine voice for it.
wow what a wonderful music, I’m trully inspired by this music. thank you
This is wonderful. Very soothing voice.
Thank U very much
This is Wonderful