‘Ethiopia’ in Selected Lyrics of Tilahun Gessesse and Tewodros Kassahun Songs: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to make a critical discourse analysis on the theme ‘Ethiopia’. Lyrics of selected songs of two prominent artists (Tilahun Gessese and Tewodros Kassahun) were used as corpus for the study. Classical compare and contrast method was employed for analysis; point-by-point and text-by-text organizational schemes were used to compare texts. The results of the study revealed that both artists have shown a remarkably similar approach in their music philosophy. Both singers firmly voiced ‘Ethiopia’ as ‘mother land’ for its people. Both artists discoursed on historical and natural heritages of the country as well as the patriotism sacrificed to preserve these heritages. Finally, the study also disclosed that both singers advocate for unity and love of ‘mother land’ to assure its sovereignty.

Keywords: Ethiopia, Discourse analysis, classical, music, lyrics, patriotism, solidarity, motherland, sovereignty

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/9-21-05

Publication date: November 30^th 2019