Interview with Singer Tesfalem "Qorchach" Arefaine
Tesfalem Arefaine "Qorchach"
Interview conducted in Tigrigna and translated to English by NUEYS Staff
First, let’s start with your nickname, "Qorchach" (kinky hair). How did you get it? Do you hate it?
I can’t remember exactly who gave me this nickname. But my neighborhood kids used to call me by that name ever since I was young. I believe it has to do with my coarse hair which is kinky. I like it, and don’t mind being called by that name.
How did you start your singing career? And when?
Up to the year 2000, I didn’t realize my interest in singing. Before that I was a dancer. I used to repeat the song that we used for dancing in the same voice and tone as the original singers. After hearing my voice, many people encouraged me to sing professionally. Then pushed by my inner urges and outside persuasion, I started singing in 2001.
How many albums have you released so far?
Two. They are, “Menalbat” “Entay giere”. (Note: this interview was conducted before the release of qorchach's latest [third] album "Titsbit Newihuwa")
Your first album was not distributed inside Eritrea. Why is that?
I sold the distribution rights for my first album to some businessman. Then I never saw it distributed anywhere. I don’t know the reason. And I’m still waiting.
What was the feed back or reaction you got from the fans after the release of your second album, “Enatay giere”?
I got a very positive and encouraging feedback. This has boosted my morale and helped me to continue in my profession as a singer. Although I can’t say it’s perfect, the reaction I got from the fans has been beyond my expectations.
How do you prepare or write your songs?
I do not play any musical instruments. So the tunes I write or create have to be sung and memorized inside my head. Then I take them to some musicians and prepare and record them. I also write some lyrics. While writing some of the numbers, I prepare both the music (melody) and the poetry (lyrics) at the same time. For example, the songs, “Adey” and “Entay giere” were done in this fashion.
Where, when and in what mood do you write the lyrics for your songs?
I don’t know the reason, but I like quiet and solitude. I want privacy and meditation and enjoying nature. I wrote most of my songs in such situations. I write about some stories I create out of random or sudden inspirations that I get.
Do you use materials (music or lyrics) from other artist?
Yes, I do. For example my songs “Hesebelu,” “Tsebktey” and “friena” were done by other artists. The first was composed by Yunis Said, the lyrics for the second song, “Tsebektey,” (my beautiful one) by Habtom Hafa, and the third was done by Yohannes Tequabo (lyrics) and melody by Tsegay Gebretensae.
Tell us what you felt on your first appearance ever as a singer?
When I started singing I used to copy the style of some singers, such as Dawit (Shelan) and Abrar Osman. In 2001 Dawit arranged for me to sing in Aguadu Sembel (A night club in Asmara). For me that was a dream come true. I sang Abrare’s song “Ayred” and Dawit’s “Semi’ikido.” I enjoyed myself a lot. I don’t know how to describe my feeling at that time. I had mixed emotions of fear, joy and others. When I finished the songs, some people came and encouraged me by saying I did a good job. This was an extra joy for me.
You perform and dance well on stage. Where did you develop this ability? Do you practice alone?
As I mentioned earlier, I was first a dancer before I became a singer. Even earlier I had won some awards and prizes for my dancing in various night clubs. When I started singing I enjoy myself by dancing along with my singing. Personally, I like and enjoy dancing. Later in my career the public’s encouragement added fuel to my work. When I’m on the stage dancing, I lose control of myself and I become totally immersed in the act of dancing.
Do you have any songs (music or lyrics) that you’d copied form abroad (foreign works)?
To be honest, I have one song whose melody I had added some minor Arabic tune or element. Other than that, I don’t intentionally copy from abroad.
At what time does your mood for art rise?
The moment I climb on the stage and hold the mike, I get in the mood for singing and dancing.
Do you have the time when you feel bad and don’t feel like singing?
No, I don’t think so. I get in the mood for singing easily enough.
Do you sometime write songs based on your real life experiences or events? If so what are they, and why did you write them?
Yes, I do. I have three songs which relate to my personal life directly. These songs are: “Friena,” “Adey” (my mother) and “Entay giere” (What have I wronged?). The first two songs “Friena” and “Entay giere” are related to my personal love life. Like most young people, I fell in love while young. I don’t remember all the details, but I wrote about these experiences. The events are similar to the words in the lyrics. The song entitled “Adey” (my mother) is about my own mother. My mother was cruelly killed by the Ethiopian (Derg) soldiers during the colonial era. When I was young, she used to work in the sack building factory. She was mercilessly shot along with other 20 people by the Ethiopian soldiers. I believe you can easily understand my pain and suffering. I wrote the song in order to remember my mother and all the other mothers who were cruelly killed by the enemy.
What is your opinion about young singers of your age? Whom do you especially admire?
Young singers of my age are progressing very fine. I believe that if we work in cooperation, we can produce excellent work which will be famous not only in Eritrea but also in our region as well. I look at them as my mentors and teachers, so I admire them all. But I especially I like and admire Yohannes Tequabo and Dawit Shelan.
How many video clips have you done so far? How hard is the work of preparing or producing a video clip?
So far, I have done two video clips. This work involves changing the song already introduced to the fans (listeners) from audio into visual and artistic form. So it is hard work and needs a capable director. You have to become both a signer and actor at once. There’s also the question of coordinating the sound and the visual (pictures.) If you get a great director you can have a good video clip which is excellently harmonized. You also need to make expenses in order to get good quality work.
Do you try to sing in other languages other than Tigrinya?
Yes. I am practicing for some songs in English and Arabic.
How do you explain your character? What type of person are you?
This question should have been asked to other people who know me. But so far people tell me that I’m modest, gentle and funny (one who enjoys jokes.)
Do you have any bad habits that you would hate or personally would like to stop?
Of course, I’m only human. I have this smoking habit that I would like to quit. As for habits in others, I have nothing that I hate in particular.
What are the characteristics that you like and hate in general?
I hate people who are low in morale and belittle the work of others, gossips and proud boasters. On the other hand I like people who are optimistic, and have characters who are opposite to the ones I mentioned.
What types of food do you like? Do you drink alcohol?
I eat whatever I find. I’m not a chooser. I drink moderately.
Who is your role model? Whose style do you follow?
I like and admire Michael Jackson a lot.
They say that music and drinking don’t go along. Do you agree?
No, I don’t agree.
Who are your fans mostly? The young or…?
Yes, my fans are mostly young. But I believe adults or older people also like it.
What was your ambition when you were young?
I wanted to be a soccer player. I enjoyed playing soccer.
What is your opinion about the “Shengrewa” (the TV-ERI program in search for new singers/artists)?
It is a great program. I feel it has been very late in appearing. I have no doubt that the program will produce many great artists.
Last question. What advice do you have for your peers concerning HIV/AIDS?
I say to them: Let us be careful, careful! Careful!
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