Actually the whole song lyrics, music arrangement and guitar was done by one person His name was Elias Melka. One of those very few Icons of Ethiopian music.
The message in this song!!! You have no idea how strong it is! "The corrupt and the thief always gets more; The honest and hardworking keeps getting beaten down; But why so I worry myself about this? Even my eyes have seen (which can see light because of "HIM"); So surely does the creator of those eyes." It's about the imbalance and injustice in the world, questioning WHY? And then reminding herself that "if god sees this (and he does), who am I to question because everything is according to plan or for a reason" The reason Zeritu is unique is that she makes these complicated ideas and issues which are even hard to just talk about into music. Even the music at the end playing when the credits roll (it's a different one from the album) is about a Father (her) who is loving and the best dad ever, but at the same time was a bad Husband to her mother! The way she expressed it in her lyrics, the poetry is just amazing! What amazes me is she wrote these songs when she was 21 or younger (this album is 15 years old). I have heard you commenting on a video that Betty G is number 1 in modern Ethiopian music, but it's Zeritu! Betty G was a backup singer for Zeritu back then when she was touring and she is heavily influenced by her, music and personality alike. The composer, doing those guitar riffs is the one responsible to transforming Ethiopian music from the old pentatonic type of songs to the more western like music that this generation can relate to. Almost all current composers are influenced by him too - because he was such a generous human being and he even used to give to the young ones (who now have become prominent Ethiopian composers) guitars and other materials to encourage them. He died at the early age of 42 a year ago because all his life was music and he didn't take care of himself, his kidneys failed and he died. So sad. I'm gonna put a couple of his works for you to check out. I hope u do a reaction on them. Also I'd like to appreciate the love you have for Ethiopia! I see your comments in travel blogs about Ethiopia. Keep strong brother!
