Oromo Arts

Oromo music is a rich and diverse tradition with deep historical and cultural significance, particularly for the Oromo people of Ethiopia. It has served as a powerful vehicle for expressing identity, social and political movements, and cultural preservation.

• Early Music and Identity: Oromo music, like other forms of Ethiopian music, has been influenced by a variety of factors, including its strong oral traditions and the political and social climate of the country. Historically, music and art were used to narrate history, celebrate community, and resist oppression.
• Afran Qallo and the 1977 Cultural Showcase: A significant turning point for Oromo music was the formation of the Afran Qallo Band in the 1960s. This group and a landmark cultural showcase in 1977 were crucial in bringing Oromo musicians and listeners together from different regions, solidifying a sense of Oromo nationalism and unity.
• Modern Era: In recent decades, Oromo music has evolved to include modern pop and electronic elements, often fusing traditional Oromo instruments like the kabaa (a single-stringed fiddle) and the qanbii (a two-stringed lute) with contemporary sounds. This new genre is often referred to as "Oromo Pop" and has gained a wider audience both within and outside of the Oromo community.

Oromo music has been shaped by a number of influential artists who have used their voices and talents to tell stories, inspire hope, and challenge injustice. Some of the most notable figures include:

• Ali Birra: Often regarded as a pioneer of modern Oromo music, Ali Birra was a celebrated singer, composer, and poet. He played a crucial role in bringing Oromo music to the national stage in Ethiopia.
• Hachalu Hundessa: A highly influential and beloved singer, songwriter, and political activist. His music, which often addressed themes of Oromo identity and the struggle for freedom, resonated deeply with the Oromo people. His death in 2020 sparked widespread protests and brought international attention to the Oromo cause.
• Ebbisa Addunya: Another significant figure in Oromo music, known for his politically charged lyrics and powerful vocal performances.
• Jambo Jote: A popular contemporary artist who has contributed to the growth of Oromo Pop with his upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies.
• Gome Riki Tu: A well-known artist with a strong presence in the Oromo music scene, recognized for his popular tracks and albums.

Other notable artists who have contributed to the vibrant world of Oromo music include:

• Lencho Gemechu
• Saliha Sami
• Kadir Ka Martuu
• Keekiyyaa Badhaadhaa
• Hamelmal Abate
• Tilahun Gessesse

Oromo music continues to be a powerful force for cultural expression and a vital part of the Oromo identity, with a new generation of artists continuing to innovate and carry on the tradition.

Oromo painting, as a distinct art form, is a fascinating and evolving field. While the Oromo people, the largest ethnic group in the Horn of Africa, have a rich history of art and cultural expression, traditional painting on canvas or other surfaces is a more recent development. Historically, Oromo art has been expressed through a variety of other mediums.

Traditionally, Oromo artistic expression has been centered on a range of practices that are deeply integrated into daily life and cultural identity. These include:

• Body Arts and Adornment: Oromo women, in particular, have used body art, such as beaded necklaces (ambarka), headbands (qarma), and temporary facial markings (kula), to communicate social status, identity, and cultural heritage. These wearable art forms are a crucial part of Oromo aesthetics and are used to express ethnic distinction.
• Carving and Sculpture: The Oromo people have a long tradition of carving, particularly in wood. A notable example is the Oromo headrest (boraati), which is not only a functional object but also a work of art, often featuring intricate carvings and polished surfaces. These headrests are a testament to the Oromo's skill in woodworking and their attention to detail.
• Grave Art: Contemporary Oromo burial traditions include memorial grave art, which provides insight into Oromo history and cultural traditions. These artistic practices, though often overlooked by scholars, are a significant form of Oromo cultural expression.

The emergence of Oromo painting as a formal art form is often linked to the work of pioneering artists who sought to represent Oromo culture, history, and political struggles on canvas. This movement has been a way for Oromo artists to reclaim and celebrate their identity in the face of historical oppression and marginalization.

One of the most important figures in the history of Oromo painting is Lemma Guya Gemeda.

• Lemma Guya (1921-2020): Widely regarded as Oromia's most famous painter, Lemma Guya was a self-taught artist who began by painting on the walls of his family's home. He is a celebrated figure for pioneering skin-mounted portraits and for his work in establishing the Lemma Guya Art Gallery in Bishoftu. His paintings are known for their focus on Oromo culture and traditions.

While some of the most prominent contemporary artists from the region are often categorized more broadly as "Ethiopian," their work often reflects Oromo heritage and the complex sociopolitical landscape of the country. Artists like Tesfaye Urgessa, a young modernist painter based in Germany, and others who have studied at institutions like the Alle School of Fine Arts and Design, are part of a vibrant contemporary art scene that is gaining international recognition.

The work of Oromo painters today continues to explore themes of identity, history, and the Oromo political struggle, serving as a powerful medium for cultural memory and resistance. 

The main foods of Oromos are animal products including foon (meat), aannan (milk), baaduu (cheese), dhadhaa (butter), and cereals that are eaten as marqaa (porridge) and bideena (bread). Oromos drink coffee, daadhii (honey wine), and faarsoo (beer). Some Oromos chew chat (a stimulant leaf).

The special dish of Oromos is ittoo (made with meat or chicken, spices, hot pepper, and other ingredients) and bideena bread (made from xaafii or millet). Sometimes marqaa or qincee (made from barley) is eaten for breakfast. Ancootee (a food made from the roots of certain plants) is a special food in some parts of western Oromia.

Oromo handmade crafts are a vibrant and integral part of Oromo culture, reflecting a rich tradition of artistry and skill passed down through generations. These items are both utilitarian and symbolic, playing a significant role in daily life and cultural ceremonies.

Some of the most prominent examples of Oromo handmades include:

• Beadwork: Intricate beadwork is a hallmark of Oromo craftsmanship, particularly in traditional attire. Dresses are often embellished with colorful beads in traditional geometric and floral patterns, each design carrying its own significance. Beaded jewelry, such as necklaces and bracelets, is also common.
• Weaving: Oromo weavers create beautiful textiles, including the handwoven cotton fabric used for traditional dresses. These garments often feature intricate threadwork and are known for their comfort and breathability. Woven baskets, made from natural grasses, are another traditional handicraft used for gathering crops and carrying goods.
• Woodcarving: Woodcarving is a traditional art form, with items like headrests ($boraatii$) being a significant example. These personal objects are carved from a single piece of wood and are used to protect elaborate hairstyles during sleep. They can feature intricate designs and are often polished to a smooth, dark sheen from use with butter-based hair dressings.
• Pottery: Handmade pottery is a common feature in Oromo households, with items like coffee pots ($jabana$), water pots, and cooking pots being made for daily use.
• Leatherwork: Traditional items made from leather, such as milk containers and shields, also demonstrate the skill of Oromo artisans. Some are decorated with fine embroidery and other embellishments.

Many of these handmade crafts are available for purchase from various online retailers specializing in African or Ethiopian goods.