Researching on Kenyan Traditional Music and Dance Today: Methodology and Ethical Issues Revisited

Abstract

Cultural dynamism and globalization have adversely affected the context, performance and structure of African music and dance. Therefore, research on African music and dance today calls for refocusing of methodology and related ethical issues in order to realise convincing and meaningful findings. This paper explores the role of research in the sustenance of core identity elements in African music and dance in light of its inevitable change and continuity. Specifically, the paper attempts to answer the following questions:a. What are the basic research concerns with regard to music and dance?b. For what purpose should we conduct research in African dance today?c. What is the general research plan regarding contemporary traditional African dance?d. Does the researcher in his/her own community have an advantage over the outsider?e. What are the basic ethical concerns to be considered when researching on African Music and Dance? Finally, the author highlights the commonly encountered pitfalls by researchers on African music and dance and suggests the way forward.

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