The following poem was composed by the late Rev. Gudina Tumsa, and published on Bariisaa, the first Oromo newspaper. Rev. Tumsa was known for his devotion to his faith and being a vocal advocate of social justice. He is credited for providing crucial material and intellectual support for the then emerging Oromo national struggle. He was an avid writer and left important manuscripts on spiritual and social issues. From reading the poem, it appears that the Reverend composed it with a dual purpose in mind; to express his views on contemporary issues of the time, while at the same time contributing to strengthening the fledgling single Afaan Oromo news and literary outlet. The small Oromo intelligentsia of them time seem to have made a coordinated effort in filling the pages of Bariisaa as a way to alleviate the burden from the understaffed and regularly harassed editorial team led by Mohadi Mude. As expected Rev. Tumsa led by example by placing his contribution on the second publication after the launching. His poem was published in 1976 (68 EC) just a few years before he was murdered by Mengistu’s regime in 1979. Mr. Mude graciously re-published (in 1996) selected poems from the newspaper in a volume titled ”Walaloo Bariisaa”. In this book we find captivating revolutionary poems by prominent individuals such as Shantam Shubbisa, Alemayo Qubee, Sheik Bakri Saphalo, Mangasha Rikitu and many others. I have taken the liberty of sharing Rev Tumsa’s poem in order to invite readers to this interesting piece, and also to attract attention to this important collection. I am indebted to Abbaa Urjii (Abdurashid Mohammed) of Toronto who provided me with the book. Baga nagaan galte yaa Obbo Bariisaa Koottu waldhungannaa maddi walii keessa Walarguun firootaa jireenya mi’eessaa Deemtee turte jedhuu biyya fagoo keessaa Baay’inni firootakee eessaa fi eessaa Jedhee siif katabaa Qees Guddinaa Tumsaa ...... Attam Yaa Obbo Bariisaa gulelepost The following poem was composed by the late Rev. Gudina Tumsa, and published on Bariisaa, the first Oromo newspaper. Rev. Tumsa was known for his devotion t
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 14:24:37 +0000
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