Yared Tesfay

EmbassyMedia - ዝዓበየ ዓወት ሃገራዊት ጋንታ ኤርትራ! Eritrea National Team is gearin... youtu.be/BLrTJYlpT50?si… via @YouTube The Eritrea National Team is gearing up for an important match against Eswatini tomorrow. The anticipation surrounding the game is significant as both teams prepare to compete. This is not just any game; it's the beginning of an exhilarating new chapter filled with youthful energy and promising talent. Today, we received some fascinating insights from African football experts who are as eager as we are to see how our dynamic young players will shine on the pitch. With a young average age of 22 to 24, our team is poised to make a significant impact in the years to come. The Eritrean Football Federation has an inspiring vision for the future, actively fostering the potential of even more talented players to join our ranks. To give you a deeper insight into our journey, we’ve included an engaging video featuring interviews with key figures: Tesfaldet Tekie, a successful player thriving in Sweden; GolGol Mebrahtu, a former pro with Spartak Prague now sharing his expertise; and Paulos Woldehaimanot, the passionate President of the Eritrean National Football Federation and CECAFA. We invite you to join us on this thrilling journey together! The Eritrean National Football team wrapped up their final training today at the Stade d'Honneur in Meknes, Morocco, where they’ll take the field for their big match tomorrow, March 25, 2026. Get ready for kick-off at 17:00 East Africa Time (5:00 PM)! #EmbassyMedia

H.E. Sabah Zita Benson, High Commissioner of Ghana to the UK & Ireland, Former minister, succeeding Papa Owusu-Ankomah. Her presence in London is impactful, and we had a productive engagement in fostering and strengthening Africa's connections.

Mickey Junior, a prominent African journalist and transfer expert, shared exciting insights about the rising Eritrean national football team. He highlights the incredible talent among Eritrean players, who are gaining well-deserved recognition. This is just the beginning—our database will showcase even more remarkable developments, ushering in a thrilling new era for Eritrean football!

Yesterday, we celebrated to express our gratitude to Prof. #Oramah for his visionary leadership and significant impact on Africa's development. Wish continued success in his future endeavors, appreciation & thank you #BrandComms for organizing such an exceptional celebration.

The excitement is building as the Eritrean National Football Team gears up for their upcoming match against Eswatini in Morocco! This is a thrilling time for Eritrean football, as we welcome a vibrant new generation of talented players. The Eritrean National Football Federation is wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing young talent across all regions, focusing on grassroots development while also connecting with players competing in top leagues across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Our commitment to football diplomacy is strong, and we are forging valuable partnerships within the sport. The national team has arrived in Morocco, with twelve dedicated players from home already in training. We’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of 14 more players from leagues in the UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, and Australia, who will be joining! We warmly encourage all fans to come out and cheer for our national team in these significant qualification matches against Eswatini. Let's show our support and pride! Be sure to check out our video clip highlighting the fresh faces of the Eritrean National Team. Together, we can achieve greatness! #DiscoverEritrea2026 EmbassyMedia - FOOTBALL ERITREA preparation vs ESWATINI youtu.be/qPC1mebkjfU?si… via @YouTube

Eritrea’s Football National Team arrived in Morocco Mr. Dirar Fesehaye, member of the Public Relations office of the Commission of Culture and Sports, indicated that the Eritrean Football National Team has arrived in Meknes, Morocco, to play its first-leg match against Eswatini’s National Team in the qualifiers for the 2027 African Nations Cup. Upon arrival in Casablanca, the National Team was welcomed by Mr. Paulos Weldehaimanot, President of the National Football Federation of Eritrea and the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations, along with officials of the Moroccan Football Federation. The national team includes 12 players from inside the country, as well as 14 Eritreans currently playing in football leagues in the UK, Egypt, Germany, Sweden, and Australia. The players of the National Team from inside the country have already conducted their first training session as part of the preparation program, while the remaining Europe-based players are expected to join the team in the coming days ahead of the much-awaited first-leg match scheduled for 25 March.#Eritrea

Today, I went to see #INALA, one of London’s most captivating musical productions! This show beautifully integrates South Africa’s heritage, culture, and music into the heart of London’s West End, telling a Zulu story through an immersive and artistic experience. The critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated Zulu ballet production features music co-written by the late Joseph Shabalala, the founder of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, along with producer Ella Spira. It includes performances by the Soweto Gospel Choir and has a permanent residency at the House of Sisters Grimm in London. I was fortunate to have a long conversation with both #EllaSpira, the producer, and Tony Banyatsi, the dance choreographer. INALA now has a permanent home at the House of Sisters Grimm, where it is presented in a setting that beautifully enhances the experience in London’s vibrant West End. What a remarkable show! #AfricaConnect

Pleasure of engaging in a truly inspiring conversation with #EllaSpira, MBE, the brilliant producer behind #INALA. Her passion for her craft and deep appreciation for African culture were incredibly captivating, and we shared some exciting ideas for elevating African/Eritrean music on the global stage. Ella Spira, MBE, is not only a Grammy-nominated composer and visual artist but also an award-winning theatre producer based in London. In 2009, she co-founded Sisters Grimm with the talented former Royal Ballet ballerina, Pietra De Mello-Pittman. Ella’s creativity shines through her music for ballet and film, as well as her innovative dance remixes for popular UK artists. However, her heart truly lies with the productions of Sisters Grimm. As a painter, Ella beautifully captures the essence of landscapes from around the world, including China, Indonesia, and Brazil. Her artwork promotes a deep respect for nature and sparks important conversations about environmental awareness. I also had the delightful opportunity to taste some exceptional South African wines, which are truly among the finest globally. It’s so uplifting to witness African products gaining the recognition they deserve! I was fortunate to have Julian, a knowledgeable wine expert, guide me through the intricate flavours of these wines. Cheers to celebrating Africa and all its brilliance! #AfricaConnect

On the occasion of the Asmara Film Festival 2026, I am sharing a remarkable film shot in 1974 in Eritrea, particularly around Asmara and Massawa. The legendary Eritrean singer Haile Ghebru brought his talent to the screen as an actor, making this film even more special. Directed by Luigi Magni, it holds a significant place in Italian cinematic history. A big thank you to Carlos Moras for keeping me connected to these incredible film stories. The Film- 'The Way of the Baboons' (1974) is Luigi Magni's first film set outside Rome, taking place in Eritrea. Fiorenza, a young bourgeois woman in a troubled marriage with the childish Orazio, travels to Massawa to care for her estranged father, whom she has never met. After witnessing his death, she chooses to stay in Eritrea and is guided by the eccentric Getulio. Orazio comes to find her but realises she has profoundly changed. Following Getulio's tragic death, Fiorenza ventures into the savannah, seeking the secret of existence by following the path of the baboons. #DiscoverEritrea

Today in Asmara, Mr Paulos Woldehaimanot, the President of the Eritrean National Football Federation, enthusiastically shared updates with the media regarding our preparations for the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualification matches against Eswatini, set for March 25th and March 31st. We're excited to announce that the Eritrean National Football Team is coming together as a vibrant, talented squad full of youthful energy. Mr Paulos emphasised the strength that comes from our team's diversity, featuring players from local clubs as well as professionals competing in Sweden, Australia, the Netherlands, the UK, and Germany. What's particularly inspiring is the innovative approach and strategic vision that spans the next 5 to 10 years, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to success and growth in football. The increasing visibility of Eritrean footballers in Europe reflects tremendous progress, and we look forward to welcoming even more skilled players in the future. Adding to this wave of excitement, our new head coach has arrived in the capital and is already forging strong bonds with the players, creating a positive and determined atmosphere. The entire team is genuinely optimistic about their potential, and we can’t wait to witness the amazing developments on the horizon for Eritrean football! Together, we’re building something special. #DiscoverEritrea

Asmara, pronounced “Assmera” in Tigrinya, literally means “The women brought unity to the four villages.” This city was originally established in the 7th century, when women persuaded their husbands to unite their four villages for stronger defence against common enemies. Consequently, the name "Arbaete-Asmera," meaning “The Four United,” was adopted. Over time, this name was shortened to the present-day “Asmara.” For Eritreans, Asmara is not just the capital; it is a symbol of love and unity, reflecting deep social bonds and attachment. This intangible cultural significance is crucial to the city’s nomination for world heritage listing, highlighting a richer and more complex history beyond its modernist architecture and planning. #DiscoverEritrea

I’m truly thankful to Carlo Moras for sharing an article on Renato Carosone, a talented pianist and composer whose music and remarkable journey from the 1930s in Eritrea! It's 1937. The city of Asmara, home to 70,000 Italians, offers a variety of venues. Among the many cinema-theatres built that year, the Odeon featured a large bar and an adjoining nightclub. That same year, in Naples, the actor-director Aldo Russo was looking for a pianist to join his company as they prepared to depart for Eritrea. After a brief audition, a young pianist was selected, with a contract of 120 lire a month, a substantial sum for the time. The young man's name was Renato Carosone. At the end of July 1937, he boarded the steamship "Tevere," bound for Massawa, where he disembarked on August 17th. After a few days of rehearsals with five orchestra members recruited from among the workers of the Italian Colony, performances began in the venue provided by the impresario, a restaurant on Taulud Island, managed by Mario Auritano, a venue frequented primarily by transport workers from northern Italy. The company's low ratings, which performed only in Neapolitan, led to its rapid dissolution. But Carosone, unwilling to abandon his new venture, moved to Asmara, where an orchestra needed a pianist. He was hired under the same financial terms as his previous contract, which allowed his family to join him in Asmara. Financial security, moreover, seemed guaranteed by the many professional opportunities in an area rich in dance halls. He himself seized an advantageous opportunity in 1939 when a well-known Addis Ababa venue (Aquila Bianca) invited him to conduct its small orchestra. But the world conflict was about to overturn the fate of Italians in East Africa. Following the declaration of war on France and England on June 10, 1940, Carosone was forced to enlist in the Third Grenadier Battalion stationed in the Ethiopian capital. Thanks to an acquaintance, a chief quartermaster, he obtained a job as a typist, a position he used to desert immediately after the fall of Addis Ababa to the British. On May 5, 1941, he left the barracks, using his company's letterhead to send himself on a mission. To survive, he resumed his career as a pianist, and while the Allies were seeking musicians to entertain the occupying troops in their clubs, he learned to play American dance music, which proved decisive in his career. When reprisals against the Italians became frequent, Carosone returned to Asmara, where a cousin of his managed the ODEON cinema and theatre. The journey, undertaken with false documents, aboard a compatriot's truck, lasted 10 days and proved to be an obstacle course, with checkpoints and warring guerrilla bands. Meanwhile, his father and sister had been repatriated by the Red Cross, while his brother, captured by the British, remained a prisoner for seven years. For a few years, Carosone played regularly at the nightclub attached to the Odeon, specialising in personal arrangements of songs such as "Tea for Two," "Stardust," "Blue Moon," and others, the genre requested by the club's patrons, especially Allied soldiers. He met the woman of his life, who would become his wife, the Venetian Itala Levidi, two years his senior, who was the prima ballerina at the Odeon. He remained in Asmara until July 28, 1946. In the first photo taken in front of the Odeon cinema, he bids farewell to his friends before his final return to Italy. From 1949 onwards, together with Peter Wan Wood and Gegè di Giacomo, he became the undisputed leading figure of Italian and Neapolitan music worldwide.

#Asmara: The Symbol of Fashion and Elegance! The shops in Asmara, particularly those in the Pavilion and Marcato, represent successful businesses in Eritrea. Fashion and elegance are well recognised in Asmara, yet they also require branding. Historically, both Eritrean men and women have sought an elegant appearance, a trend that continues today among the young and old alike, as they don finely tailored shirts made from a mix of classic and contemporary fabrics. Designers in Asmara are unique in many ways; while they may not have a formal brand, they possess highly advanced, distinctive tailoring skills. To truly shine, local tailors need greater visibility, and we should promote their work, emphasising professionalism and discipline. This will create an environment where employees can grow and attract further investment in the country. #DiscoverEritrea

This heartfelt photo captures a moment from August 23, 1991, at #AddisAbaba Airport as we eagerly awaited our journey to #Asmara. The excitement of returning to Asmara after Eritrea's hard-won independence filled us with hope and anticipation. Our emotions were complex, reflecting the long road we had travelled since fleeing the #Derg regime in 1975. During our six-hour layover, we were warmly greeted by an #EPLF representative and had the opportunity to meet the brave #Eritrean commandos who had played a vital role in liberating Addis Ababa. It was an unforgettable experience, and we felt a renewed sense of optimism for our homeland. This event showcases some of Eritrea's most talented artists, including the incredible Tesfaldet Abraha, renowned for his soulful singing and guitar work with the Flames. We also have the legendary Sultan Yassin and Eng. #AsgehdomWoldemichael, who have both significantly shaped our music scene. Iconic singer Osman Abdurahim brings history to life through his songs, while Federico Umberto plays guitar and bass and provides vocals. I, #YaredTesfay, was playing keyboard and saxophone at that time, alongside the amazing trumpet player Tsegay Tesfay. It’s truly a vibrant gathering of talent! Embaye Habtu, a remarkable singer and talented Krar player, captured this moment in a photo. Federico and I were happy to provide support in #Bologna when the band travelled all the way from Saudi Arabia without a keyboard and bass player. It was a joy to see them perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 12,000 people, showcasing their incredible talent and leaving everyone inspired! What an unforgettable experience! After the first performance, we were invited to dinner with General #SebhatEfrem, the Chief of Staff of the EPLF at that time. He was leading the entire delegation of EPLF military leaders and asked us, “I want this group to fly to Asmara to celebrate with the people of Eritrea. You have to decide within 24 hours.” That night was filled with excitement as we eagerly anticipated the chance to fly to Asmara and perform in a free Eritrea. It was a truly unforgettable experience! We couldn't wait to seize this opportunity, so we set off on our journey from Bologna to Rome, then to Addis Ababa, and finally to the beautiful Asmara. What an adventure! This is in remembrance of the late #OsmanAbdurahim, Embaye Habtu, Sultan Yassin, and Tsegay Tesfay. Rest in peace to all. #DiscoverEritrea

I would like to express gratitude to Alessandro Pellegatta, Carlo Moras, Bruno Pavan, Mauro Moruzzi, Piero Traversi, Milena Barzanti, and Akale Tekleab for their exceptional contributions to documenting Eritrea. The work produced, encompassing books, images, and films, is instrumental in fostering connections among people and deepening understanding of Eritrean culture and history. Notably, this includes a significant image captured in the early 1900s. #DiscoverEritrea

Asmara is hosting an incredible film festival, featuring an array of films, from delightful short films and documentaries to beloved classics. I wholeheartedly believe this will blossom into an annual celebration, paving the way for Fashion Week and ultimately creating vibrant African Film Festivals and African Fashion Weeks. These initiatives promise to enhance cultural diplomacy, fostering greater understanding among Africans. Let’s celebrate our rich cultures together! hashtag#DiscoverEritrea

Celebrating Haile Ghebru: Recipient of the "Lifetime Achievements" Music resonates deeply within the hearts of Eritreans, binding us to our rich cultural heritage. Among the remarkable figures in our musical journey, Haile Ghebru stands out as a true legend. As a founding member of the beloved Zerai Deres Band, he has significantly contributed to our vibrant musical legacy. Next month, on the 25th of April 2026, we have the privilege of honouring him in Washington, DC, as he receives the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Eritrean Music Association. To declare "I am Eritrean" is to embrace and cherish our culture and values. Throughout our enduring quest for self-determination, music has played a vital role in preserving our identity and traditions. For over 50 years, Haile Ghebru has led this movement, using his extraordinary talent to uplift and inspire the Eritrean spirit across all generations. Eritrean music has continued to flourish, with Haile Ghebru crafting some of the most unforgettable songs. Let’s come together to celebrate this incredible journey and the impact of Eritrean music! #DiscoverEritrea