This document summarizes research on the lifestyles and music preferences of Eritrean youth. It is based on ethnographic research and interviews with youth in Asmara, Eritrea. The research finds that Eritrean youth are highly influenced by Western culture and lifestyle as expressed through their fashion, music, and language choices. Popular music genres include hip hop, reggae, and pop music from American and British artists. Youth emulate the styles of artists like 50 Cent, Bob Marley, and bands like Destiny's Child. Western media like satellite TV and movies are widely available and impact youth identity and culture.

1. Eritrean Youth Identities in the Era of Globalization Mannar Indira Srinivasan. mannar.indira@gmail.com & Compiled by nag.ramesh@gmail.com

2. Objectives& Methodology Lifestyles of Eritrean youth Music habits of Eritrean youth Ethnography, participant observation and in-depth interviews among Eritrean youth in the age group of 18-25 years. Data collected from three residential colonies of Asmara namely Tiravolu, Space 2000, and The German Colony, where the majority houses are connected to satellite TV.

4. 2 major religions

5. Tigrinya speaking Highland Christians

8. No freedom of speech and expression as the constitution was not implemented.

12. Young women Not wearing ‘ Zuria’

13. Emergence of women as a major workforce

14. The Tigrinya women either plait or braid their hair.

17. Hip-hop and Reggae music are popular.

18. Singers are known for their distinct style exhibited in the form of their hair style, body language, dressing and fast beat in their songs and dances..

20. peculiar dressing style of wearing heavy metallic/leather tops tore jeans

21. wearing a hanging/stud in one of their ears feminine way of hair dressing with long hair either tied with a band or loosely braided.

22. Young boys are adopting these styles imitating their favorite singers .

23. We like Reggae and hip-hop not because it is very stylish and attractive. It talks about people like us.”

25. Today, they are using western musical instruments like ‘Key boards’, that are capable of mixing various musical instruments .

26. Earlier they sang for attaining statehood

27. Today they are releasing albums imitating western singers

28. Frequently visiting US and Europe for concerts

31. Writing mobile language b/c(Because)

32. Ur (Your) etc

34. . Beyoncé Knowles is their favorite singer

35. ‘Independent women ‘,“Survivor" and "Bootylicious are favorite albums.

37. No more Drama’, ‘we are certain that you too” are her albums popular among girls

39. expressed their willingness to migrate to other countries

40. Western living standards and lifestyles are fixed so deeply in their minds

41. Popular western music genres like Hip-hop, Reggae, Rock and jazz music are part of their daily life.

43. Thanks.