The EPLF, parallel to the struggle for independence, organized musical troupes for recruiting the youth, preserving the national cultural values, strengthening the national unity and entertaining the people. Sibrit cultural troupe is among the different musical troupes, which are playing an important role in displaying such activities.

Sibrit was known by the name ‘national culture troupe’ (Hagerawi Bahli) at first. In 1995 however, the troupe was reorganized and changed its name to ‘Sibrit’. The first members of the troupe were Lashe Mantay, Letebrhan Tesfamariam (Letina) and Liya Bairu. Awdya Ahmed became a member after the troupe’s reorganization.

Sibrit is the only cultural troupe in the country that presents cultural shows of all the Eritrean ethnic groups. It includes members from the nine ethnic groups of Eritrea.

The ladies’ dedication makes the work easy, however difficult it is. They devote a long time for practice, so that they can master the cultural activities of the societies. They participate in weddings and other social activities of these communities. For this reason, they have to travel to different parts of the country to understand the cultures of the different ethnic groups. They always start from the cultural history of every society. This would require them to collect information on how the ethnic groups dance, sing, live etc.

The members of Sibrit have their own experience but, they practice their work under the management of artist Kahsay Ghebrehiwet. He an experienced artist, and has played an important role in providing sufficient trainings to the troupe.

Eritrean musical troupes visit other countries to introduce Eritrean cultural values; one of them is Sibrit cultural troupe. It has visited many countries and succeeded in reflecting Eritrea’s culture. It has been awarded in different cultural troupe competitions at home and abroad. It participated in the ‘Africa Cultural Show,’ which was hosted in Libya, that the troupe won second prize. It also stood first in Qatar in a similar competition.

Like other women in their society do, the artists in Sibrit cultural troupe have to look after their children. Parallel to their artistic work, they do the domestic work; and they are able to handle both responsibilities successfully. Since their husbands are artists and cultural dancers, it makes their life easy, both at work and home.

‘Sibrit’ in Hidareb (one of the country’s languages) means Kirsi (museum). The cultural troupe has been striving hard to transform this national museum to the young generation. It has provided plenty of trainings for newly created troupes since 1997. Many young troupes, which can play their part in national cultural development, have been produced.

The artists of the troupe would always like to express their respect for their comrade Lasha Mantay, who passed away a few months ago. Lasha, Awdya, Letina and Liya have worked together for 17 years. They feel as if they were members of one family. They consider the late Lasha as their older sister. She had an important role in making the troupe successful. She was one of the best cultural dancers in the country. She contributed unforgettable love of work to the members of the troupe and to its people.

The future plan of the Sibrit Cultural Troupe is to work hard to increase their ability and transfer the work to the young generation. They said that they would try their best to be managers of such work and produce quality professionals in the future.

According to them, they feel very concerned about the question of women; women have to work hard to develop themselves and become independent. They advised women to contribute to the national development program, just as they did their best in bringing independence.

“We are proud of the presence of the National Union of Eritrea Women (NUEW), as it stands for our wellbeing. But, presence alone is not enough. There are many women who are in need of help from the organization, yet they haven’t received it”, said a member of the troupe. They went on to say that the organization is required to create opportunities for women who cannot help themselves.

Finally, they thanked NUEW for providing media exposure to professional women.

Translated by Amanuel Tesfay

Source: Agezo Magazine, No. 9, 2009