Biography
Yemane Barya, real name Yemane Ghebremichael (1949 – 1997) was a songwriter, composer and singer from Eritrea, one of the most famous musicians in his country.
He was born on January 21, 1949 and from an early age showed his inclination towards poetry and music. Although a good student, he stopped school, despite his parents' opposition, to pursue music. The first song he wrote titled "Lula", landed him in jail. The content of the song - about a man whose soulmate is snatched by a cruel invader - was thought to be a veiled political message regarding the annexation of Eritrea by Ethiopia.
In 1975, Yemane joined the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) and underwent 3 months of military training. He later left for Sudan and then Saudi Arabia where he helped the revolution by making songs and helping Eritrean refugees. In 1993, the Eritrean people gained independence from Ethiopia and Yemane returned to his country and settled in Asmara where he continued to record albums. He wrote about the struggle of the Eritrean people for independence as well as stories of love, uprooting, travel, hope. He also continued his philanthropic acts by participating in countless shows to raise money for the poor.
He died suddenly on November 5, 1997, a day when he was about to start recording an album with other notable artists and had planned for the next few weeks an overseas tour.