Maal Malli isaa?
In Ethiopia, the Oromo people, who have played a significant role in Ethiopia’s nation-building, continued to suffer from various kinds of human rights violations. Over the years, Oromo elites, heroes, and icons who stand up for the rights of the Oromo people have been targeted and persecuted, detained and killed by consecutive Ethiopian regimes in the country.
Even now, when the world recognizes that an Oromo rules the country [Ethiopia], the killings and sufferings of Oromo people have continued. In the words of the late Hachalu Hundessa, “We were dying yesterday, and here we are dying today. What could be the solution?”
Three years ago, on June 29, 2020, Hachalu Hundessa, an Oromo artist and human rights advocate was assassinated. The assassin’s identity is still a mystery, though. The reason why Hachalu was targeted by his assailants was because he contributed substantially to the Oromo struggle, advocated for justice and equality, amplified Oromo voices, and defended Oromo rights through his music and activism. That tragic killing of the revered artist led the country into crisis and was the reason for the deaths of more than 239 people during protests. Moreover, the situation in Ethiopia remains far from stable. Despite efforts towards political change, the country faces many challenges. The Oromo people, in particular, have made significant sacrifices for political change in the country. Many Oromo parents have lost their children due to the struggle and are still awaiting justice for their slain children. Political prisoners continue to wait for their jailers to be held accountable for their actions. Those who were victimized by injustice all hoped that justice would one day be served in this nation.
Political change in the country comes at great cost, that of innocent lives; many have sacrificed their own children in the hope of a better future that has not proven to be fruitful as expected. Despite these sacrifices, the country continues to face numerous challenges.
It is disheartening to see that the killers from yesterday have not been brought to justice today. As of yet, the movement has not been able to stop the killings and suffering, let alone obtain justice for the victims.
Oromo people have been asking for their rights and demanding an end to the violence and discrimination against them. “Democracy, equality and respect for the rights of the Oromo”, for which Hachalu sacrificed for, have not been achieved today. His death is a stark reminder of the Oromo’s ongoing struggle.
Though Hachalu’s life was tragically cut short, his message and legacy will continue to resonate with generations to come. It is up to us to honor his memory by continuing to fight for the rights and freedoms that he stood for, until they are finally achieved in Ethiopia and beyond.
Hachalu’s Legacy Forever
Hachalu Hundessa was born in 1986 in Ambo, a storied city in the Oromia state. His father wanted him to study medicine, but despite his father’s wishes, Hachalu pursued his passion for music with the support of his mother. He began writing songs and performing at local events in Ambo. His music was influenced by the Oromo people’s struggles for political and cultural rights, and he used his platform to raise awareness about their cause.
Hachalu’s music quickly gained popularity, and he became a prominent voice in the Oromo music scene. His music spoke directly to the experiences of the Oromo people, and his lyrics often addressed political and social issues facing the community.
At the age of 17, Hachalu was arrested and sent to jail, but this did not break his determination. It shaped him into the towering musical genius and the cultural and political icon that he became. Having never been charged, he was released after five years. In June 2015, he released a single track that captivated the music community, even those who did not understand Afan Oromo, by the title “Maalan Jira” (What existence is mine).
With its message that goes beyond music, it condenses a significant amount of information about the history and story of the Oromo people into a single song.
Here are a few lyrics from “Maalan Jira”:
“Diiganii gaara sanaa
Gaara diigamuu hin mallee
Nu baasaan addaan baanee
Nu addaan bahu hin mallee”
[They demolished that landscape
that was never meant to be demolished
They separated us, we are separated
We were not meant to be separated]
The power of his music has played a significant role in inspiring the Oromo people to rebel against the oppressive regime that has been in power for many years. The music has proven to be a source of inspiration and a means of expressing their frustration with the fundamental structural inequality that has been built into the very fabric of the Ethiopian state.
Among his other music highly appreciated by the community is Jirra (We are Here), a sequel to Maalan Jira. The song was a statement of endurance, resilience and self-affirmation. It highlighted the culture-shifting transformations taking root within the Oromo community and the Ethiopian political landscape. It was a redemptive thrill that affirms the collective optimism of the Oromo people, a definitive confirmation that this is no longer a culture in jeopardy or a society in decline, but one in the middle of a robust ascendancy.
In general, Hachalu effectively utilized his songs to promote unity, love, and solidarity among Oromos, and pushed for Oromos to mobilize against injustice and inequality. Hachalu’s influence in Oromo and Ethiopian politics was massive. This is why his assassination has also had a significant impact on the national political landscape.
Following his death, dissidents were silenced, formidable opposition forces and popular leaders were jailed, political alternatives were crushed, and media was suppressed by the Ethiopian government. Although there is no concrete evidence, it is suspected that the government purposefully carried out this action in order to keep its hold on power, which is a crime against humanity.
However, even though Hachalu was killed, his vision for the Oromo people has never died. His legacy lives on. His music and activism continue to inspire and empower future generations.
Beyond the art.
Despite his untimely death, Hachalu’s legacy and cause continue to live on through the generations. His music and lyrics, which often spoke of Oromo identity and the struggle for justice, remain popular and influential among Oromo youth. Many see him as a martyr, one who gave his life for the cause of Oromo freedom and dignity.
Hachalu’s contributions went beyond his artistic talents. He was also known for his humanitarian work, particularly in providing support to the vulnerable Oromo community.
Picture: On the occasion of a Muslim festival, Hachalu donates oxen to people who were displaced by insecurity.
Recently, the Hachalu Foundation was established in memory of Hachalu, by the Oromo people and Hachalu’s family, with the aim of carrying forward his cause and helping those in need.
One of the ways in which the Hachalu Foundation works towards fulfilling its mission is by awarding musicians who have done an exemplary job of preserving Hachalu’s legacy. This award is given out once a year and aims to recognize artists who continue Hachalu’s vision of using music as a catalyst for social change, justice, and cultural preservation.
The Hachalu Foundation is committed to continuing the humanitarian activities initiated by Hachalu. In 2023, the foundation undertook several projects to provide relief to those in need. One such project is the provision of clean drinking water to the citizens of Borana zone, who have been severely affected by drought.
In honor of Hachalu’s memory, Oromo people continue to speak out against injustice and work towards a world in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect. His legacy will continue to inspire the generations to fight for a better future.
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