2 v.: $c30 cm. +e2 cassettes (monophonic).

Thesis(M.Mus.)--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Humanities, Wits School of Music, 2013. / Music-Making of the Xhosa Diasporic Community: A Focus on the Umguyo Tradition in Zimbabwe This dissertation is an ethnographic study that focuses on the music of one of the Xhosa ethnic groups, the Mfengu who are settled in Zimbabwe. Taking into consideration that the bulk of the Xhosa ethnic group is situated in South Africa, predominantly in the Eastern Cape Province, I consider the small group of Xhosas in Zimbabwe as a diasporic community. While much has been written on the music of South African Xhosas, ethnomusicological scholars have paid insufficient attention to this group. When this group left the homeland, South Africa, it did not leave its musical traditions behind. One such tradition is the umguyo, the boys’ circumcision ceremony. My major intention therefore was to find out how this diasporic group makes music for the umguyo tradition. By closely analysing the lyrics of the umguyo musical repertoire, I discovered that the Xhosas in Zimbabwe archived their history in the song lyrics. Even though the majority of creators of this music have lived and departed, the constant performance and general continuity of this musical tradition assures both the present and future generations of a firmly established source for their identity. Looking at the lyrics once more, I found out that the Zimbabwean Xhosa music-making reflects on gender issues. I state that while Zimbabwean Xhosa men enjoy their patriarchal benefits, through music, women are socially taught to conform to stereotypical gender roles in their society. Thus, Zimbabwean Xhosa women, through their song performance, declare themselves as commodities for Xhosa patriarchy. In addition, this enquiry demonstrates how this diaspora community has deviated from the common way most diaspora communities make music. I mainly attribute this divergence to the ‘dominant/subject’ or ‘master/subordinate’ relationship that existed during the colonial period.

This study examines the relationship between composed songs in isiXhosa and the field of oral literature. In traditional Xhosa cultural settings, poetry and music are forms of communal activity enjoyed by that society. Music and poetry perform a special social role in African society in general, providing a critique of socio-economic and political issues. The research analyses the relationship that exists between traditional poetry, izibongo, and composed songs. It demonstrates that in the same way that izibongo can be analysed in order to appreciate the aesthetic value of an oral literary form, the same can be said of composed isiXhosa music. The art of transmitting oral literature is performance. The traditional izibongo are recited before audiences in the same way. Songs (iingoma) stories (amabali) and traditional poetry (izibongo) all comprise oral literature that is transmitted by word of mouth. Opland (1992: 17) says about this type of literature: “Living as it does in the performance is usually appreciated by crowds of people as sounds uttered by the performer who is present before his/her audience.” Opland (ibid 125) again gives an account of who is both reciter of poems and singer of songs. He gives Mthamo’s testimony thus: “He is a singer… with a reputation of being a poet as well.” The musical texts that will be analysed in this thesis will range from those produced as early as 1917, when Benjamin Tyamzashe wrote his first song, Isithandwa sam (My beloved), up to those produced in 1990 when Makhaya Mjana was commissioned by Lovedale on its 150th anniversary to write Qingqa Lovedale (Stand up Lovedale). The song texts total fifty, by twenty-one composers. The texts will be analysed according to different themes, ranging from themes that are metaphoric, themes about events, themes that depict the culture of the amaXhosa, themes with a message of protest, themes demonstrating the relationship between religion and nature, themes that call for unity among the amaXhosa, and themes that depict the personal circumstances of composers and lullabies. The number of texts from each category will vary depending on the composers’ socio-cultural background when they composed the songs. Comparison will be made with some izibongo to show that composers and writers of izibongo are similar artists and, in the words of Mtuze in Izibongo Zomthonyama (1993) “bathwase ngethongo elinye” (They are spiritually gifted in the same way).

Thesis (MMus) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study aims to present a cultural monograph of two contemporary South African musicians, Mantombi Matotiyana and Maxanjana Mangaliso. Both musicians are highly regarded and respected for their exceptional musical abilities within their community and society, as well as abroad. This study furthermore wishes to make a contribution towards the establishment of 'experience-based' ethnomusicological field research in South Africa. In keeping with these aims, the material, which has been assembled from personal interviews with Matotiyana and Mangaliso, is in narrative. It is based on their personal memories, recollections and perspectives, as well as their views about and attitudes towards their songs, all aspects of composition, instruments and performance. The study therefore looks at the interaction between the lives and the songs of Matotiyana and Mangaliso and relates it to their relevant experiences. The musicological study of Matotiyana's songs further illuminates her particular style, as well as her contribution to contemporary Xhosa bow songs in general, especially within the broader context of Xhosa musical traditions. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie poog om 'n kulturele monografie van die twee kontemporêre Suid- Afrikaanse musici Mantombi Matotiyana en Maxanjana Mangaliso voor te lê. Beide kunstenaars word as gevolg van hul buitengewone musikale bekwaamhede besonder hoog aangeskryf en gerespekteer, sowel binne hul eie breë gemeenskap asook in die buiteland. Terselfdertyd poog hierdie studie om 'n bydrae te maak tot die vestiging van die sg. "experience-based" tipe etnomusikologiese veldwerk in Suid-Afrika. Dienooreenkomstig word die inligting wat deur middel van persoonlike onderhoude met Matotiyana en Mangaliso versamel is, in verhaalvorm aangebied. Dit is gebaseer op hul eie herinneringe en perspektiewe, asook hulopvattings t.o.v. hul liedere, alle aspekte van hul komposisie, hul instrumente en opvoerings. Die studie kyk gevolglik na die wisselwerking tussen die twee musici se lewens en hul musiek en bring hul eie ervarings in hierdie verband ter sprake. Verder verskaf die analitiese studie m.b.t. die liedere van Matotiyana insig in haar unieke styl en bydrae tot eietydse Xhosa boogmusiek, veral binne die breër konteks en tradisies van Xhosa musiek in die algemeen.

Thesis (MMus) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the modern Western world, secondary and tertiary learners generally have ready access to the use of computers, multimedia and the Internet. As a means to strengthen traditional education, computer-based methods and materials are increasingly being used in the education system and are also strongly recommended by many educational experts. The use of such electronic educational means has however resulted in various changes to the education system. Music educators, too, are subject to these changes. The aim of this study is to determine the extent to which computer-based education can contribute to the strengthening of traditional music education of the Western world. To this end, it is necessary to ascertain, in practice, the value of using computer-based material for the purpose of music education. A multimedia database of Xhosa music terminology was created in the Music Department of Stellenbosch University, with high school learners and undergraduate students as target group. In this thesis, the value of this database, as an example of computer-based material for music education, is assessed. It is intended to extend the database at a later stage through the addition of music terminology from other indigenous music cultures. In its current form, the database thus forms part of a larger whole and is not viewed as a completed enterprise. On the basis of the literature that was studied for the investigation, it is determined whether the multimedia database for Xhosa music terminology measures up to the criteria for effective computer-based programmes. Suggestions are also made for improving the database to ensure a more useful and user-friendly product. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die moderne Westerse wêreld het sekondêre en tersiêre leerders tans redelik algemeen toegang tot die gebruik van rekenaars, multimedia en die Internet. Rekenaargesteunde metodes en materiaal word toenemend ter versterking van die tradisionele onderwysstelsel aangewend, en ook deur talle opvoedkundiges aanbeveel. Die gebruik van dergelike elektroniese onderrigmiddele het egter verskeie veranderings in die onderwysstelsel teweeggebring. Ook musiekopvoeders word deur hierdie veranderings geraak. Die doelstelling van hierdie navorsing is om te bepaal tot watter mate rekenaargesteunde musiekonderrig 'n bydrae kan lewer tot die versterking van tradisionele Westerse musiekonderrig. Om hierdie doelstelling te bereik, is dit noodsaaklik om in die praktyk te bepaal watter waarde rekenaargesteunde onderrigmateriaal het vir die doeleindes van musiekonderrig. 'n Multimediadatabasis van Xhosa musiekterme is in die departement Musiek aan die Universiteit Stellenbosch geskep, met hoërskoolleerders en voorgraadse studente as teikengroep. In hierdie tesis word die waarde van hierdie databasis, as 'n voorbeeld van rekenaargesteunde onderrigmateriaal vir musiekonderrig, geëvalueer. Daar word beoog om die databasis op 'n later stadium verder uit te brei deur ook musiekterme uit ander inheemse musiekkulture by te voeg. Die databasis in sy huidige vorm maak dus deel uit van 'n groter geheel en word nie as 'n afgehandelde databasis beskou nie. Op grond van literatuur wat vir die doel van die ondersoek bestudeer is, word bepaal of die multimediadatabasis van Xhosa musiekterme voldoen aan die kriteria vir doeltreffende rekenaargesteunde onderrigprogramme. Daar word ook voorstelle gemaak oor hoe die databasis verbeter sou kon word om 'n meer bruikbare, gebruikersvriendelike produk te verseker.

In this study I have tried to show what Tyamzashe has achieved without the solid musical training any composer worthy of the name should undergo. I have also tried to show the forming of his own musical style under the impact of outside influences. This study is therefore not to teach one anything new, but simply to communicate the results of three years research. In it I have attempted to set the scene in which Tyamzashe's life unfolded itself under the influences of people and circumstances. In doing so I have tried to bear in mind the main theme - Tyamzashe himself. My problem was not so much what to include but what to leave out; thus I have not provided the scene with a detailed background. The section on missionary contact is necessary for an understanding of the great changes brought about by culture contact, as well as for putting Tyamzashe into his historical background. I have also stressed Lovedale because musical change as exemplified in the music of early Bantu converts was centralized there. Finally, the thesis of this study is: despite the changes introduced into Bantu music by culture contact, one perceives, in the works of Tyamzashe, the beginnings of a new pattern of integration. p. 2-3.

This study seeks to explore mathematical concepts embedded in traditional Xhosa dance and how these concepts can be incorporated into a learning programme for the teaching and learning of mathematics. The study seeks to gain insight into whether learners could benefit from the implementation of such a learning programme. Learners from a Grade 7 class in a rural school performed traditional Xhosa dances and their performances were captured through video recording. The video recordings were then observed and analysed to determine the mathematical concepts embedded in the dances. These concepts were then linked to those found in the Grade 7 mathematics curriculum. A learning programme integrating mathematical concepts from the dance activities with mathematical concepts from the Grade 7 curriculum was then designed. The learning programme contained mathematical problem solving activities that required learners to re-enact the dance performances in order to find the required solutions. The learning programme was then implemented with the learners over a period of three weeks. During the implementation, learners’ behaviour towards the learning experience was observed, their engagement with the problem solving activities as well as their strategies for solving the problems, were carefully observed. Also, their interactions with each other were noted. After the implementation of the learning programme, focus group interviews were held with learners to determine their opinions, attitudes and feelings about their experience of learning mathematics through traditional Xhosa dance. Key findings indicated that traditional Xhosa dance can be used as a medium for learning many concepts in the mathematics curriculum; the use of the dance gave learners an opportunity to learn mathematics from a familiar context and to participate actively and collaboratively in their learning. Also, it emerged that the use of dance to teach mathematics had potential to help improve learners’ attitudes towards mathematics. Conclusions were reached that the dance had potential for use as a means for the meaningful learning of mathematics. However, limitations and challenges with the study were identified, such as its limited replicability in other mathematics classrooms.

Part 1.Thesis: Chapter 1: The people of the Lumko district (the villages of Ngqoko and Sikhwankqeni) are AbaThembu, mostly of the Gcina clan cluster. Their history has caused them to be linked with (now vanished) San peoples in special ways, which have undoubtedly influenced their music. Chapter 2: The music of these people is centred around their religious and social life. This affects the way they classify their songs; and song classifications (and the way songs are used) affect their performance, in particular, the dance styles associated with the song classes. Chapter 3: A variety of musical instruments is used in the Lumko district, the most important being the musical bows. Once again, the use of these bows gives an insight into the musical influences that have affected the people historically. The ways the bows work are described, as well as ways to play them. Chapter 4: Overtone singing, not previously documented anywhere in traditional African music, is practised in certain ways by these AmaGcina. These, and other vocal techniques, are described. Chapter 5: From the terminology and the methods of conceptualisation about music in the Lumko district, it is possible to gain an insight into a truly Xhosa technical understanding of Xhosa music. Once again a historical insight is gained, because so many of the important terms are KhoiSan words. Chapter 6: A Western technological (i. e. musicological) understanding of the music is also necessary in a study of this nature. This chapter applies musicological concepts to an examination of the relationship between speech and song, of the usages in melody and scale, harmony theory, rhythm, polyphony, song form, instrumental roles and methods of performance. Chapter 7: This is the conclusion of the thesis. It sums up what has been studied: musical techniques, principles, the importance of Ntsikana 's song as a basis for musical comparisons, and the import of the historical aspects of the study - a possible glimpse of the music of the San. PART 2. MUSIC TRANSCRIPTIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS. The transcriptions of 62 songs provide the material for this study. The songs were chosen to represent all the major song classes used in the Lumko district, and to represent all the important music techniques as well. The songs are in fifteen categories. Each song is accompanied by its technical details, and sufficient commentary to make the song transcription intelligible and meaningful. Certain key songs are chosen as type-songs or other special examples, and are used as the bases for discussion on song style characteristics, principles of performance, bow adaptation, and so on. A general Introduction to Part 2 describes and accounts for the method of transcription, and also attempts to make it possible for the score reader not only to analyse, but also to perform the songs. In a further attempt to bring the transcriptions to life, a video recording of certain key songs and techniques, and audio tapes with examples taken from all the songs, accompany this study

Songs play a vital role in the everyday life of the AmaXhosa. Each and every occasion or gathering is accompanied by singing. Their anger or pain, sorrow or joy is reflected in their singing. Although these songs are composed for social purposes and entertainment, they are also educational. Songs may be composed and sung to comment on political affairs, complain against the abuse of power by the authorities, declare war, protest, praise a hero, encourage working together and ridicule the foolishness of someone. Vocabulary and diction used in the composition of these songs, relays the message in a clever and witty style. Since the AmaXhosa are intellectuals, irony and satire are used. The satirical or ironical songs hide the meaning and the listener must unravel the real meaning. AmaXhosa singing, chanting and dancing is accompanied by instruments. These instruments add more rhythm to the dance.The AmaXhosa use anything at their disposal when carving their instruments. Their songs may be accompanied by the beating of cow-hide drums, blowing of reed-pipe whistles, animal horns, beating of sticks and hand-clapping. The most important instrument the AmaXhosa use is the human voice. They are experts in humming, gruff singing and whistling. The songs of the AmaXhosa encourage togetherness. When one composes a song, one does not express one’s own feelings, but also the feelings of the community. The AmaXhosa songs are about participation so group singing and dancing is encouraged. Everyone participates either by singing, dancing or clapping. x Respect is the central core of the AmaXhosa songs. That is why the songs are composed according to age groups and sex. Instruments are also used according to ages and sex. Written texts are also a tool to educate the reader. The writers have decided to include songs in their writings to act as a form of entertainment and education. Although some songs lack the hallmarks of a traditional song, they communicate the idea or relay the message the writer wants to convey to the reader. Terms: Mock enconuim, the grotesque and the principle of beautiful deformity, anaphoric construction, diction and connotation, authorial comments, the mask-persona form, usurping of authority and reduction of traditional status.

This thesis investigates the presentation of AmaXhosa traditional dancing and music on the stages of the National Arts Festival (NAF), Main Programme, of South Africa in 2009. Four productions featuring AmaXhosa traditional dancing and music, as well as a fine art exhibition, are analysed to determine how the AmaXhosa culture is being portrayed, what is considered authentic and how these productions may affect the memory of the AmaXhosa nation. In an attempt to understand the position of these productions within the NAF the South African cultural context as well as the NAF is examined. The post-apartheid, post-rainbow nation, South African cultural context is discussed and how the NAF could contribute towards creating a more unified South African identity. Incorporated and inscribed memory categories are related to how one could determine authenticity in traditional indigenous productions. A cautionary note on incorporated memory is linked to efficacy, while a loss of incorporated memory within the AmaXhosa society may result in ritual acts being orientated towards entertainment. If the private culture is consistently displayed in the public realm then it is inevitable that the ways in which the AmaXhosa recollect their history will be altered. The contribution of the transitional spaces of theatres and proscenium arch stages to the choreography and incorporated memory of the performers relates to the collective recollection of the AmaXhosa. Bearing this in mind, this thesis suggests that the NAF is playing a dual role in the evolution of the AmaXhosa. It is both positively contributing to the economic upliftment of a sector of the population and exposing people to this rich and multilayered culture. However, it is also impacting the efficacy of the private culture and fracturing the traditional knowledge of the AmaXhosa by assisting in the inscription of their performance forms. / This thesis consists of three parts (1 pdf document and two video mp4 files)