The communication from within: The role of indigenous songs among some southern African communities

Abstract

This paper argues that, in the past, the indigenous songs were admired at traditional gatherings for their poetic licence, which enable artists to express their feelings freely. In this century, as in the past centuries, some artists still express elements of an African cultural worldview such as values, norms and beliefs through indigenous music and this can be illustrated by the analysis of the lyrics of songs such as “Lerato” by Mazy Tsika mikhuva yo biha General Muzk, “Tinto by Matsieng”, “Tsweu” by Mokorwana, and “Ndala ya Matshona” by Marcus Mundalamo. In these songs, the conception of what is considered right and wrong (moral values), good and evil (ethical values) is expressed. Therefore, the participation in various activities by members communities gave members of these communities an opportunity to disseminate messages and to promote an indigenous cultural heritage for all indigenous groups. The indigenous music serves as a means of social communication. The conscious and unconscious absorption of older, established elements into modern forms of expression has defined cultural transformation.

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