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Girma Zeleke
Girma Zeleke
Senzero Doll Factory
Addis Ababa, 2003
Amharic & other Ethiopian languages
VCD & video cassette
(incl. p&p)
Not stated
£5.50 (VCD), £6.50 (VHS)

Review

Senzero is an indigenously invented and manufactured plastic doll. The doll is a first of its kind in Ethiopia. It was named after a popular children's character of from an Ethiopian folk-tale. Senzero is quintessentially Habasha (Ethiopian) not only by name but by his looks and "costume". Having mobile limbs children can enjoy paying with it just as much as they could play with dolls manufactured overseas. Its material quality and safety are as good as similar dolls manufactured overseas.

The doll's appearance on the scene has been further strengthened by a simultaneous launching of it in the form of a cartoon character. To promote the doll and cartoon character, the inventor and producer of Senzero, Girma Zeleke, has released a video available in cassettes and VCD. In it Senzero appears as a computer animated cartoon character, performing folk-dances accompanied to traditional music from various ethnic groups. Cultural scenes at the background changes along with the songs to introduce children to the ethnic origins of the songs and the accompanying dance performances by Senzero.

Plans are afoot to ensure the continuity of this cartoon film, Girma Zeleke's debut, by producing a series of cartoons in which Senzero features as the leading character. The time may not be far in which Senzero could be able to instruct and entertain children acting in different roles and settings more attuned to them, and in so doing to develop a personality which makes him an enduring companion to children. Girma Zeleke seems to have the required talent, vision and determination for this noble and exciting goal. If financial wont and other related problems do not frustrate him, his dreams will become realty. Children will begin to have the good fortune to have imaginary friends like Senzero with whom they could identify easily.

(To see the Amharic review please presss here.)

See also the following related article by the BBC:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3231213.stm