Our guest today, Yusra Mohamed Salih, is a talented artist who is not afraid to try and experience art, in general, and music, in particular, in different languages. Her passion has allowed her to excel in the things she does. She is an exemplary teacher and speaks and sings in different languages. Translated from Agizo, a quarterly magazine in Tigrinya published by the National Union of Eritrean Women.
As a child, what did you wish to be when you grew up?
Most children said they wanted to be doctors, pilots, etc. when they grow up. I was always the only one to say that I wanted to be a musician. I dreamt to be one since I could remember.
Was your dad the reason for your dream?
Of course. At home, there are pictures of my dad playing the piano with me sitting on his lap when I was little. And I remember singing every morning at home when he left for China for further studies. So, I was definitely influenced by my dad.
What is music to you?
Music is in my genes and spirit, and being a musician is a profession I adore. Music is so vast that I feel I still have a lot to learn and experience to reach the apex.
When was your first appearance on the stage?
When I was just a little girl. At such a young age, I had the opportunity to perform with the Sound of Oasis, Rakuba Jazz Band and Confucius Institute.
You speak many languages, don’t you?
Yes, I do. I am fluent in Tigre, Tigrinya, Arabic, English and Chinese. I also have a little knowledge of Blien. And I sing in eight languages: English, Chinese, Arabic, German, Tigrinya, Tigre, Italian and Bidawyet. I mostly sing songs about love, nationalism and social life.
What motivated you to study these languages?
I have interest in languages. And I believe if there is passion, anything is possible. For instance, when I was assigned to Anseba region as a teacher, my students and other people started teaching me when they noticed my interest in speaking their language. They used to laugh every time I mispronounced a word. I used to repeat every word I learned when I came back home in order not to forget the language.
What purpose did you go to China for?
I went there twice. Our first trip was for a tour, and the second for a project. The project involved a competition among selected students of the Confucius Institute all over the world. Participants came from all over the world to take part in a Chinese proficiency competition. Our presentation consisted of Chinese culture such as dances and songs.
How were you selected?
I and Mekdim Arefaine won the first and second prizes respectively at the competition organized locally. As a result, we got selected to represent our country at the international competition in China. One of the activities at the event was exchange of gifts between participants. I took a traditional outfit and a statuette of a camel. I put on the traditional outfit as a demonstration of my culture and gave the statuette of a camel as a gift to one of the participants. We also dressed in Eritrea’s traditional outfits to showcase our culture. My partner wore Tigrinya’s and I Tigre’s. Out of 51 African countries, we won third place and were given scholarship as a prize.
What do you teach at the Confucius Institute here in Asmara?
I have been working as a music teacher in Chinese language, particularly songs, for almost two years now. There are 75 students, and their level of education ranges from elementary to college.
What makes Chinese language difficult?
Its writing. You also need to pay attention to pronunciation. A word can have five different meanings based on its pronunciation.
What do you do in your spare time?
I don’t have much time to spare. I work as a fulltime teacher and have a rather tight schedule. In addition to working as a teacher I also work as a translator. I have students that I tutor the whole year and work as a vocal coach at ‘The Sound of Oasis’. And I am now doing research on the culture of our ethnic groups to be able to showcase it at international arenas.
You’ve also participated in Eritrea’s got talent show.
Yes. I was confident about winning and was able to get the Golden buzzer at my first performance.
What is next for you?
I am doing a cover song, “Ichet dib qrde wedik,” a Tigre proverb which means ‘a tree falls to its roots’. I plan to showcase our golden culture internationally using a global language. And I would like to produce my own songs in Eritrean languages.
Anything else you would like to add…
Parents’ role is crucial in their children’s success. I am who I am thanks to the contribution of my parents, Mohammed Saleh and Roqeya Ismael Jimie. I would like to express my gratitude to my dad’s teachers during the revolution for making him understand the value of education.
Thank you so much, Yusra. Wish you a bright future.
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