A Horse With No Name (Maalan Jiraa)

A Horse With No Name (Maalan Jiraa)

Maalan Jiraa (Hachalu Hundessa)

“A Horse With No Name”

Whenever I listen to this song, I am reminded of the American song “A Horse With No Name,” released in 1973. In particular, Hachalu’s use of metaphorical language in Maalan Jiraa—bringing together the images of “the horse for which a monument was erected” and “the monument associated with Dabalee Sooree”—carries a powerful message.

What is the “Horse for Which a Monument Was Erected”?

An artist who sings for his people must be ahead of them in vision. The words he uses should not merely repeat what everyone else says. Poetry and artistic expression require carefully chosen language. Without this, our art cannot grow; it would remain stagnant. The language itself would also fail to develop.

Artists distinguish themselves through originality.

Hachalu did exactly that. He observed the present, reflected on the past, and foresaw the future. He sang about what he anticipated. Great artists often stand in the present while envisioning tomorrow.

For example, the late Tsaggaayee Daandanaa sang eleven years earlier that “Bole and Garjii are ours.” Eleven years ago and even today, Finfinnee (Addis Ababa) remains ours in that sense. Yet Tsaggaayee was expressing a vision beyond his own time.

Likewise, in Maalan Jiraa, Hachalu looked back into history, reflected on the current situation of the Oromo people, and sang about what he believed lay ahead.

That is one reason why Maalan Jiraa became so beloved. About a year ago, I saw that more than three million people had viewed it online; I do not know the current number.

The Horses of Oromo History

The horse of Siidaa Kafanii, the horse of Bakar Waaree, the horse of Hasanuu Wadaay, and others are horses with great significance in Oromo history.

When a hero was captured, the first thing taken from him was often the weapon through which he displayed his bravery.

When Dabalee was captured, his horse was taken. Hasanuu Wadaay, however, when he realized he would be captured, first buried his spear and shield, then killed his own horse, and finally took his own life.

The Oromo people have stories of such heroes.

The Horse of Hasanuu Wadaay

Hasanuu Wadaay’s horse, Kuraaraa, died in that way. Yet today it has no monument.

Although the Oromo could not erect a monument for Kuraaraa, they immortalized it through song:

“Oh Sukaatalii’s companion,
Oh Kuraaraa Leemmanii,
One who lost the one he loved,
The one to whom tribute was paid.”

This was sung in honor of Kuraaraa, Hasanuu Wadaay’s horse.

The Horse in Hachalu’s Song

The horse that Hachalu refers to today—the horse of Dabalee’s monument—was captured. Yet today it has a monument.

A false monument.

The monument standing today at Birbirsa Gooroo in Finfinnee, when we look at it, makes our eyes fill with blood and our hearts burn. It serves as a painful reminder.

Had they demolished Menelik’s monument and left only the horse standing there, it would have been far more meaningful.

Song Lyrics

“The horse for which a monument was raised,
The monument of Dabalee Sooree,
Since they divided us with boundaries,
Much time has passed.”

Among the Oromo, when a beloved horse or ox dies, it is not simply thrown to scavenging birds. It is buried with honor, almost as one would bury a human being.

The line “Since they divided us, much time has passed” carries a deep emotional weight.

Another Verse

“They destroyed that mountain,
A mountain that should never have been destroyed.
They separated us,
Though we should never have been separated.”

Indeed, much time has passed since those divisions were imposed.

In 2004, for example, places that were once centers of Oromo cultural life became separated through administrative boundaries. Locations of historical and cultural significance were disconnected from one another.

From that period onward, many Oromo lost trust in institutions that were supposed to represent them.

The Bull Called “Didaa”

Another powerful metaphor in the song is “Qotiyyoo Abbaan Didaa” (“The Bull Called Didaa”).

“O Didaa from among the cattle,
Worn down by the cold of the years,
I run beneath your neck.”

The Oromo have a proverb:

“Strength loves resistance.”

A powerful person remains feared even when imprisoned. They surround him with walls and guards because they still fear him.

A bull remains a bull, no matter what. Even when tied among the herd, it retains its strength and spirit.

Thus, running beneath the neck of Didaa symbolizes seeking shelter beneath strength and resistance.

What is the “cold of the years”? Is it oppression?

What does it mean to run beneath the neck of Didaa? Perhaps it symbolizes taking refuge beneath courage and determination.

Another Verse

“Sululta no longer herds cattle,
It has become a place of settlement.
When will I come and see you?
I am far away from you.”

Another Verse

“The farmer plows and plants seeds,
While another sleeps,
Hoping to benefit from what others produce.”

This criticizes those who expect rewards without laboring for them.

Another Verse

“Gullallee of Tufaa-Laal Galootoo,
Mountain of Abbichuu, look!
They entered Finfinnee and occupied it, look!
Through the path of affection, look!”

Another Verse

“Soorettii, mother of Sooree,
Grief rests upon you.
Laughing and mocking,
They are the ones who separated us.”

A Song About Oromo Unity

One of the song’s strongest messages concerns Oromo unity.

“The firewood burns,
Amborraa shines.
Just because you are far away,
When did I ever stop thinking of you?”

The question is powerful:

“Because you are far away, when did I stop thinking about you?”

Who has become distant from us while still remaining in our thoughts?

Every Oromo understands who is being remembered here, though whether the person being remembered realizes it is another question.

Another interpretation is that even though Finfinnee (Addis Ababa) may seem far removed from many Oromo, they have never stopped thinking about it.

When Finfinnee is touched, Borana feels it.

When Beegirra is affected, discussion arises.

When Cinaaksa suffers, the whole body feels pain.

Because of this shared identity, thousands have sacrificed themselves for their land and rights.

The unity of the Oromo became visible through such struggles

Another Verse

“You say everything is closed,
Like a bird of the night.
One whose heart has been struck,
Cannot be comforted merely by seeing others.”

This reflects a traditional Oromo proverb.

Someone who says “I am Oromo” but sees Oromo people suffering without feeling their pain has lost the deeper connection of solidarity.

The heart drives us wherever it wishes.

A wounded heart burns within us.

Conclusion

Maalan Jiraa is a timeless song that never loses its relevance.

Long life to Hachalu Hundessa!

Today, where is Hachalu? And in whose hands does his legacy now rest?

From Drops of Thought (Copha Sammuurraa)

Prepared by: Margaa Angaasuu Amanaa
Published by: Bokkuu Media

“Knowing oneself is a victory greater than all victories.”

Originally dated: Wednesday, September 6, 2017