The event described is the launch of a poetry book by the Ethiopian poet Banjiyaehu Assefa (ባንቺዐየሁ አሰፋ), titled “Laliyebelayitu” (ላልዪበላይቱ), which took place on December 6, 2017 (in the Ethiopian calendar, corresponding to November 15, 2017 in the Gregorian calendar). The launch occurred at the National Library and National Archive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and it was organized by the Ethiopian National Library and Archives Services.
Event Details:
- Date of Launch: November 15, 2017 (Ethiopian calendar: 6th of the month of Hidar, 2017)
- Time: 11:00 AM (Ethiopian time)
- Location: National Library and National Archives (ቤተመዛግብትና ቤተመጻሕፍት አገልግሎት) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Participants and Attendees:
- Hailemariam Mekonnen (ኃይለመለኮት መዋዕል): Notable Ethiopian writer, who would have played a key role in the ceremony.
- Mesfin Shaw (መምህር የሻው): An educator, possibly a poet, and a notable literary figure.
- Johannes Molla (ገጣሚ ዮሐንስ ሞላ): A poet and literary figure.
- Abeba Yeshitla (ገጣሚ አበባ የሺጥላ): A poet.
- Menderemariam Hailu (ገጣሚ መንበረማርያም ኃይሉ): Another prominent poet and writer.
- Dibekulu Geta (ገጣሚ ዲበኩሉ ጌታና): Another poet involved in the event.
- Other poets and writers: Other poets and literary figures participated in the launch, showcasing their work.
Purpose of the Event
The main purpose of the event was to celebrate the launch of Banjiyaehu Assefa’s new poetry book, Laliyebelayitu. The event featured readings and discussions of her poetry, with the participation of other renowned Ethiopian writers and poets. The launch was meant to promote the poet’s work and to encourage appreciation of Ethiopian poetry and literature.
Additional Information
- Media Engagement: Banjiyaehu Assefa was also involved in the Ethiopian media, working as a journalist at Arada FM 95.1, where she contributed to radio programs, particularly in the field of journalism, and possibly engaged in literary discussions and promotions.
- The Book’s Themes: Laliyebelayitu may focus on themes of personal experience, culture, identity, and Ethiopian society, though this would need confirmation from the actual contents of the book.
The launch would have been a major event in the Ethiopian literary community, as it provided an opportunity for fellow poets, writers, and literary enthusiasts to gather, discuss, and celebrate Ethiopian literature.
