Martha Nassibou

The VOA Amharic program’s Alula Kebede hosts a two part discussion with veteran Ethiopian cultural figures : Martha Nassibou, an accomplished Ethiopian artist, painter, portraitist, author and poet and Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, a nun who is a noted musician and composer.

In part one of the interview, Alula speaks with Martha Nassibou. She recently published her memoir in Italian, “Memoir di una Principessa Etiope,” in honor of the memory of her father, Dejazmatch Nassibou Zamanuel. He was an Ethiopian hero in the struggle against the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in the late 1930’s, a few years prior to World War II. “Memoir di una Principessa Etiope” received glowing reviews from several Italian universities & the media. Martha Nassibou currently lives in southern France in the town of Perpignan, on the border with Spain, where she paints and writes.

Part two of the interview includes both Martha Nassibou and Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, who is an outstanding pianist and a remarkable composer, a Christian nun in a Jerusalem convent, who recorded her own piano solo works, steeped in Ethiopian culture. 

A CD by Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou

 “The rich, personal poetry of these songs brings to mind Claude Debussy or Carlos d'Alessio's "India Song" – a rare curiosity indeed, with beautiful melodies and a charming interpretation,” says last.fm radio in a review .  Last.fm also put Homeless Wanderer (one of her most of popular songs) at the top of its 100 best tracks.  She has recently composed several new songs and has painted dozens of art works.

Alula spoke with the two women about both their illustrious artistic careers and their recent work. (click the links above for the interviews in Amharic)