Sing and Sing On: Sentinel Musicians and the Making of the Ethiopian American Diaspora

The book "Sing and Sing On" is the first study of the forced migration of musicians out of the Horn of Africa following the 1974 Ethiopian revolution. It explores the personal, cultural, and economic hardships experienced by musicians who have resettled in new locales abroad and highlights their artistic and social initiatives. It also explores the attraction of return to their Ethiopian homeland over the course of decades abroad, showing that musicians are uniquely positioned to serve as sentinels of cultural heritage.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

A comprehensive account of the lives and careers of Ethiopian musicians during and after the 1974 Ethiopian revolution.

Sing and Sing On: The Forced Migration of Musicians from the Horn of Africa Since the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution is the first in-depth exploration of the forced displacement of musicians resulting from this political upheaval. This pivotal event, which brought down one of the world's oldest monarchies and established a harsh military regime, led to the exodus of musicians from the region. Musicians, among the earliest to leave, faced the devastating consequences of revolutionary violence, curfews, and civil war, which shattered their lives and livelihoods.

Sing and Sing On: Reconstructing Memories of Forced Migration delves into the challenges faced by musicians during their forced migration. It sheds light on the personal, cultural, and economic hardships they endured as they sought refuge in new locales abroad. Through the recollections of dozens of musicians, the book provides a detailed account of the personal struggles, cultural adaptations, and economic challenges they encountered in their new environments.

Kay Kaufman Shelemay, the author, highlights the remarkable artistic and social initiatives undertaken by these musicians who have resettled in various parts of the world. Shelemay showcases their contributions to building communities both within and beyond the rapidly growing Ethiopian American diaspora. While musicians have always played a significant role as cultural sentinels in Ethiopian society, their roles have taken on new dimensions and meanings in the Ethiopian diaspora.

The book explores the ongoing creativity of these musicians while examining the allure of returning to their Ethiopian homeland after spending decades abroad. Shelemay demonstrates that musicians possess unique qualifications to fulfill this sentinel role, serving as both guardians and challengers of cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Sing and Sing On: The Forced Migration of Musicians from the Horn of Africa Since the 1974 Ethiopian Revolution offers a profound and insightful examination of the lives and careers of Ethiopian musicians during and after a period of immense political and social transformation. Through the narratives of these musicians and their experiences, the book sheds light on the resilience, creativity, and enduring spirit of the Ethiopian people in the face of adversity. It serves as a valuable contribution to the understanding of the complex dynamics of forced migration, cultural heritage, and the role of music in shaping communities.

Weight: 822g
Dimension: 258 x 237 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226810164