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A Voice of Romance, Patriotism, and Tradition
ANFET joins the mourning nation in paying tribute to Bereket Mengisteab, who passed away on 12 November 2025 in Asmara at the age of 89. His death marks the end of an era for Eritrean music and culture, yet his voice will continue to resonate across generations. Bereket was more than a musician. He was a cultural architect, a patriot, and a romantic storyteller whose songs carried the heartbeat of Eritrea and the wider Horn of Africa. His artistry synergized traditional rhythms with modern arrangements, creating music that spoke to Eritreans, Ethiopians, and Sudanese alike.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Born in Hazega village near Asmara in 1938, Bereket taught himself to play the krar and began performing at local gatherings. His talent soon carried him to Addis Ababa, where he joined the Haile Selassie Theater Orchestra in 1961. From there, his music reached international stages, including the 1966 Festival mondial des Arts Nègres in Senegal and the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
Music as Resistance
In 1974, Bereket left the comforts of Addis Ababa to join the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF). His songs became weapons of resistance, inspiring fighters and civilians with messages of unity, sacrifice, and hope. He proved that music could be both art and activism, blending patriotism with melody to strengthen the spirit of the liberation struggle.
Exile and Diaspora Influence
Bereket spent years in exile, particularly in Saudi Arabia (1979–1989), where he recorded ten cassettes and performed for Eritrean diaspora communities across Sudan, Djibouti, and North America. His exile years expanded his reach, ensuring that Eritrean identity remained alive in distant lands.
Return and Enduring Legacy
After independence in 1993, Bereket returned home to Eritrea, re-establishing his music shop and continuing to record prolifically. He composed more than 250 songs, with over 200 recorded, spanning romantic ballads, patriotic hymns, and traditional folk pieces. His music became a living archive of Eritrean resilience, love, and cultural pride.
Musical Legacy – Songs That Defined Generations
Bereket Mengisteab’s artistry lives on through a vast repertoire that touched every dimension of Eritrean life — romance, patriotism, and tradition.
Romantic Ballads: Almaz, Siyomai, Meley
Patriotic Anthems: Weree Wigie, Rwyet Tsimat Nefsey, Asmara Mengedna
Traditional Pieces: Hazega, Ezis Men Yirekbo, Guayla Beats (festive dance songs)
Together, these songs form a living soundtrack of Eritrean identity, ensuring Bereket’s voice continues to inspire across borders and generations.
A National Loss
Bereket Mengisteab is remembered as the “Father of Modern Eritrean Music.” His passing is not only a loss to Eritrea but to the entire Horn of Africa. His songs will remain a bridge between generations, reminding us of the sacrifices of the past and the beauty of Eritrean culture.
ANFET’s Condolences
ANFET extends its deepest condolences to Bereket’s family, friends, and the mourning nation. His voice, which once carried the hopes of a people in struggle, now becomes part of Eritrea’s eternal memory.
“Bereket Mengisteab’s music was the sound of our nation’s soul. His melodies of love, patriotism, and tradition will continue to inspire Eritreans everywhere. May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy guide us toward unity and renewal.”
