MAAS / MER Mathivha Centre for Languages Arts and Culture

MAAS / Department of Music

MAAS / M.E.R Mathivha Centre for Languages Arts and Culture

PhD (African Studies) / Centre for African Studies / It has been shown that indigenous music and dance can help one to vividly fathom the behaviour, values and morals of particular cultural groups, they perform their music and dance for various reasons. For instance, there are songs for hoeing, weeding, reaping, for children, of mockery, during game, protests, by the fireside interspersed with folktales, love songs and so on. All these songs are immersed in culture-bound indigenous music. The indigenous music and dance of the Vatsonga play a vital role, not only in their lives but also for others who enjoy indigenous Xitsonga music and dance. There exists, however gaps regarding documentation, preservation and notation of this music and dance practices. In this study, therefore, indigenous Xitsonga music and dance genres are analysed descriptively and documented (with notation of common songs) for posterity. A qualitative approach was used to conduct this musicological study. A study such as this one can also contribute towards African indigenous knowledge systems and be used by the Department of Education. / NRF

MAAS / Department of of Music

PhD (African Studies) / Department of African Studies / Mmino wa bana (Children’s songs) are subjected to many changes today; so much so that in time it could cease to exist in its original form or be replaced by genres promoted on televisions. This study focuses on the genre as practised in the Moletjie community. The study explores mmino wa bana by examining its musicological elements, educational validity, and the general social functions within the context of the Moletjie community. By providing insight into these aspects, we could be able to ascertain the transportability of musical elements and philosophies across many contexts. Twenty-one children’s songs were collected for the study. In addition, interviews were conducted with elders and members of the Moletjie royal family to capture the narrative views of the genre. Additional information was also captured in the form of diary notes. The study used an Afrocentric approach as its theoretical framework. The design was qualitative with semi structured interviews functioning as the mode of data collection. For analysis, music programs were used. The body of knowledge emanating from the study is packaged in such a way that it could be used by scholars in African musicology, policy planners, and others interested in the culture of the people of Moletjie community. The school will also find the study to be a useful resource in crafting textbooks for classroom purposes. / NRF