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.