On September 7, 2024, Eritrea lost one of its greatest cultural icons, Osman Abdelrehim. A towering figure in the world of Eritrean music, Osman’s influence stretched far beyond the stage, intertwining with the very fabric of Eritrean history and its long fight for independence. Today, on September 13, 2024, as his loved ones and admirers prepare to lay him to rest, we reflect on the extraordinary life he led and the legacy he leaves behind.
Born in 1948 in the historic port city of Massawa, Osman’s life unfolded against the backdrop of Eritrea’s turbulent political landscape. Raised in Asmara, he grew up in a time when Eritrean culture was being forged in resistance. Osman, from an early age, channeled the spirit of his people into music that not only entertained but uplifted and united. His first significant performance in Addis Ababa in 1964 was a sign of things to come, as he used his music to capture the struggles, dreams, and hopes of Eritreans.
Osman’s art was inseparable from his activism. By the early 1970s, he had already become a key figure in Eritrean music, co-founding the Asmara Theatre Association and the Rocket Band, blending traditional Eritrean sounds with modern musical influences. He stood shoulder to shoulder with other prominent artists, using his music to subtly critique the Derg regime and inspire nationalist sentiments.
In January 1975, Osman took a bold step and joined the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF), where he transformed his songs into anthems of resistance. His music rallied Eritreans in their fight for freedom, with his lyrics expressing the pain of division and the need for unity. At a time when the Eritrean civil war between the ELF and the EPLF threatened to fracture the liberation movement, Osman’s voice stood out as a call for reconciliation and collective strength.
Despite spending many of his later years in exile, Osman’s connection to Eritrea never wavered. His music continued to resonate with Eritreans both at home and in the diaspora, reminding them of the enduring values of unity and perseverance. His son, Adem Osman, carries forward his father’s musical tradition, ensuring that Osman’s legacy lives on through the next generation.
As we prepare to say our final goodbyes to Osman Abdelrehim today, we are reminded that his influence will never fade. He was not just a musician; he was a cultural leader, a freedom fighter, and a unifying force in the history of Eritrea. His passing is a monumental loss, but his music will continue to inspire and comfort Eritreans for generations to come.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy endure.
