Artists keep Ethiopians warm in Minnesota

By Our Contributor

February 11, 2006

Despite frigid weather conditions, Ethiopians travel from every direction to pack an auditorium as a show of solidarity for peace, justice and democracy in their native homeland.

MINNESOTA – It was a very cold evening last Saturday in Minneapolis/St. Paul, but Comedian Tamagne Beyene warmed the hearts of many Ethiopians here in town with his entertaining and yet patriotic performance.

The auditorium was so full that some had to stand during the second half of the show. Here was a man who genuinely respected and loved his audience. Tearful laughter’s and roaring applauses were the norms of the evening throughout the three and a half hours show. It was amazing how he was able to keep the audience fully engaged for such a long time in the absence of food and beverages.

Shambel Belayneh’s musical performance that blended traditional and modern varieties was not only captivating, but also added color to Tamagne’s stage show. Behind the scene but equally important was Daniel Wolde Gabriel who demonstrated his outstanding keyboard talent.

Tamagne’s charisma and patriotic fervor as he presided over the evening’s auction drew an outpouring of generosity from the audience. Within a short period of time a single framed picture depicting the recent atrocities of the Ethiopian government against its own people sold for six thousand dollars!

Indeed, the Minnesota event, being Tamagne’s first such show in a long time, was a spectacular success. The organizers, CUD Support Committee, found the outcome of the event beyond their expectations. We congratulate them on such a well-organized event that entertained as well as mobilized the Ethiopian community in the Twin Cities toward a noble patriotic cause. We hope that Ethiopians in other states will be inspired by the Minnesota experience and invite this great artist for similar successes.