THE ROLE OF BEGASHEKA TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY MUSIC IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TIGRIGNA MUSIC

Abstract

This study examines the role of Begasheka traditional community music in the development of Tigrigna music, focusing on its cultural significance, thematic elements, and musical structures. Through ethnographic research involving interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions with elders, musicians, and cultural experts in the Tembien region of Tigray, Ethiopia, the research reveals how Begasheka music serves as a vital medium for preserving oral history, reinforcing communal identity, and transmitting social values. The study concludes that Begasheka music is not merely entertainment but a living cultural archive essential to Tigrigna heritage. It recommends urgent preservation measures, including academic documentation, integration into education systems, and community-based revitalization programs. By safeguarding this tradition, stakeholders can ensure the continuity of Ethiopia’s intangible cultural heritage while fostering intergenerational connections.