Скачать или смотреть ቴዎድሮሰ ታደሰ - አይቀርም እንደሰው/(Tewodros Tadesse - Ayqerem Andsew)/Fikir eske Mekabir(Ato Bogale)

Credits:(
Haddis Alemayehu
Sewmehon Yisaw--Director of the TV series
EBC

Meaning/ Context

“Ayqerem Andsew” is a timeless song by renowned Ethiopian artist Tewodros Tadesse.

The message of the song translates into a sentiment of resilience—“things will get better.” It is an ode to valuing the fruits of one’s labor, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they may be in comparison to what others earn. Tewodros sings, “So long as the fruit is earned through my labor, I will not disdain it; and as long as I keep the faith and stay the course, I will one day achieve that which I have dreamed.”

The song is set against clips from the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation’s “Fikir Eske Mekabir”, a TV series adapted from the most well-known work of Ethiopian literature by the same name. Translated into English as “Love to the Grave”, the novel by Haddis Alemayehu rose to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s, notably through a beloved radio adaptation narrated by Wegayehu Nigatu.

The novel emerged during a politically charged period in Ethiopia’s history, when a communist military regime—having seized power in a coup—overthrew the Ethiopian Empire and deposed Emperor Haile Selassie. This context is crucial, as the book offers both overt and subtle critiques of the feudal system, where the aristocratic class exploited the labor of peasants and farmers. Yet the story transcends its political commentary, resonating with generations of Ethiopians through its deep romantic narrative, evoking an emotional connection comparable to that of Romeo and Juliet in the Western literary tradition.

and enter Ato Bogale Mebratu, the father of one of the protagonists, Bezabeh Bogale.

Bogale, who married later in life, endured years of loneliness and poverty. Yet he remained steadfast, keeping his faith and dignity intact. A respected and gifted farmer, he was known for his work ethic and reliability. Tewodros' song feels especially fitting for Bogale’s character, and the show powerfully captures the despair of poverty and isolation while honoring the quiet strength of perseverance.