Solomon A
Dagne Walle’s music is not merely a form of entertainment; it is a Manifesto for the Amhara people, a sonic weapon against oppression, and a beacon of resistance. When Wond Lij Korete (ወንድ ልጅ ቆረጠ) was released, it resonated deeply, compelling me and countless others to confront the harsh realities faced by the Amhara people. The depth of its message, the richness of the melody, and the commanding power of Dagne’s voice were not just artistic achievements, they were acts of defiance. His songs became my constant companions, invigorating my spirit whether at home or on my way to work. Every time I listen, my connection to my Amhara identity grows stronger, igniting a fire within me to share the profound impact of his revolutionary work.
Throughout history, music has been a powerful catalyst for change, a tool that can dismantle oppressive regimes and awaken the consciousness of the oppressed. Nelson Mandela once said, “Music can change the world because it can change people.” Dagne Walle’s music embodies this transformative power, akin to the way Kassa Tessema’s iconic anthem “Fano Fano” became a symbol of resistance, rallying the Amhara people in times of peril. Kassa’s songs, inseparably linked to the Fano movement, celebrated the courage and sacrifices of those who defended their homeland against all odds.
In the same tradition, Dagne Walle has emerged as a powerful voice for the Amhara people, channeling their anger and pain into anthems of resistance. His music is a demand for justice, a call to arms that echoes the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Walle’s lyrics pierce through the silence imposed by tyranny Abiy Ahmed, reminding the Amhara people that their voices matter and that unity is not an option but a necessity. His songs are more than melodies they are revolutionary manifestos, urging the Amhara to stand resolute in the face of state sponsored genocide and systematic ethnic cleansing.
Over the past three decades, the Amhara people have been strategically ostracized, subjected to economic exclusion, political disenfranchisement, and ethnic cleansing. Many have lived in fear, pressured to conceal their identity, made to feel guilty for simply being Amhara. But Dagne Walle, with his fearless lyrics, has shattered this silence. His music has rekindled a sense of pride and defiance, compelling Amhara individuals to reclaim their identity with boldness and without apology. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. proclaimed, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Dagne’s music has been instrumental in reversing the decades-long campaign to silence and marginalize the Amhara, reminding them that silence is complicity and that they must rise to defend their dignity and existence.
For the past five years, the Oromo-led regime has displayed complete indifference to the brutal slaughter of Amhara, the mass forced displacements, and the inhumane imprisonment of countless innocent Amhara civilians. The brutal reality is that the only option left for the Amhara people is to stand with Fano and overthrow a regime that has made genocide its policy. Dagne Walle’s music underscores this urgency, serving as both a call to arms and a moral compass in a time of crisis. His songs are clear: the regime’s crimes against the Amhara people demand a resolute and unified response.
One of the strongest themes in Dagne’s music is the imperative of unity. He emphasizes that the Amhara, facing existential threats and genocidal actions by state forces, must unite or perish. As Benjamin Franklin warned, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” Dagne’s lyrics urge the Amhara people to rise above internal divisions, emphasizing that with unity, they can withstand the genocidal onslaught. His music does not just call for unity; it lays out a roadmap for survival, making it clear that reclaiming Amhara identity and pride is not just symbolic it is an act of resistance, a necessary step in confronting and defeating the forces that seek to erase them.
The current regime has exploited ethnic divisions for decades, cultivating a political environment where every group except the Amhara identifies solely by their ethnic affiliation, rejecting the collective Ethiopian identity. The Amhara, after years of subjugation, ethnic cleansing, and displacement, have begun to assert their identity with newfound conviction, declaring, “I am Amhara.” But in doing so, they have been met with violence and oppression, as the regime wages a war aimed at their extermination.
Dagne’s lyrics capture this stark reality, warning that the time for passive resistance is over. His music calls for immediate, decisive action to defend Amhara lives, heritage, and the right to exist.
Dagne Walle’s music is not just a reflection of cultural pride; it is a strategic call for mobilization, a blueprint for resistance, and a testament to the resilience of the Amhara spirit. His songs remind listeners to reject the regime’s divisive narratives and instead embrace a united front against tyranny. Dagne’s music offers both hope and a clear path forward, empowering the Amhara people to resist oppression with unyielding determination and courage.
This resurgence of Amhara nationalism through music mirrors the revolutionary movements of history. Whether it was the Irish struggle against British colonization or the African-American fight for civil rights, music has always been a powerful force for mobilizing the masses. Like these movements, Dagne’s music harnesses the collective power of a people united in their fight for survival, demonstrating that solidarity is the most formidable weapon against oppression.
As Dagne’s songs continue to inspire, they also serve as a mobilizing call for the ongoing struggle of the Amhara people. His music is not merely a form of cultural expression; it is a call to action. It aligns closely with the Fano movement, which has taken up arms in defense of the Amhara. His songs call on all Amhara whether at home or abroad to support the cause, whether through advocacy, financial support, or active participation.
Dagne Walle’s impact can be seen not only in the powerful messages of his songs but also in the immense popularity his music has garnered. In just six months, his music on YouTube has been streamed more than 9.6 million times, a testament to his work’s widespread resonance with the Amhara people and beyond. This staggering number of views reflects how deeply Dagne’s music touches hearts and minds, acting as a source of inspiration for millions. Dagne’s influence through YouTube and other platforms also serves as a modern example of how music can act as a catalyst for social and political movements. Much like the way Bob Marley’s reggae music became an international anthem for freedom and resistance, Dagne Walle’s songs have become symbols of Amhara resilience and strength. His widespread digital success shows that in the face of extreme challenges, music can still inspire, uplift, and unite entire communities across vast distances, giving them hope and a sense of direction.
Unity has always been the foundation of successful resistance movements, and Dagne Walle’s music encapsulates this essential truth. His songs remind the Amhara people that their survival hinges on solidarity and armed struggle against a regime that has declared war on their very existence. As the Fano fighters continue their valiant resistance, Dagne’s music serves as both a source of inspiration and a slogan for every Amhara to rise and defend their identity, their people, and their future. He reminds the Fano fighters of their heritage, invoking the spirit of their forefathers who triumphed over the Italian fascists at Adwa. The courage and resilience of their ancestors live on, propelling them towards victory against the tyranny of the Abiy Ahmed regime.
In conclusion, Dagne Walle’s music is more than just an artistic endeavor; it is a revolutionary force. In a time when the Amhara people face existential threats, his songs serve as a clarion call for unity, resistance, and survival. Alongside other Amhara artists like Mehari Degefaw and Fasil Demoze, Dagne stands as a beacon of hope and resistance for those living under the shadow of oppression. His music is not merely a cultural expression, it is a force of defiance, a call to every Amhara to rise and fight for their identity, their people, and their future. It is time for the Amhara people to heed this call, to unite and resist, for the very existence of their people and culture depends on it.
Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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