Abstract This article examines the circulation, recording, preservation and archiving of music during the Eritrean liberation struggle from the 1970s to the 1990s, with a focus on the role of diaspora community support. It argues that the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) strategically leveraged music to foster a sense of national identity and unity, recognizing its powerful role in mobilizing support and galvanizing the Eritrean populace. Despite the challenges posed by war, the EPLF made significant efforts to record and archive music, understanding its importance for cultural preservation and morale. Post-independence, these efforts were continued through a digitization project, ensuring that the themes of national unity cultivated during the struggle persisted into the contemporary era. This article highlights the innovative strategies employed by the EPLF to utilize music as a tool for political and social cohesion, and the enduring impact of these efforts on Eritrean national identity. The preservation and digitization of liberation-era music not only safeguard a crucial aspect of Eritrea’s cultural history but also underscore the vital role of music in the broader narrative of the nation’s fight for independence and its ongoing journey towards unity and self-determination.
Raymok Ketema (2026) studied this question.