Musicking and Dancing Politics in Africa
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- ISBN 9781666979169
- Dimensions: 152 x 229mm
- Publication Date: 30 Apr 2026
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Hardback
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Bringing together interdisciplinary scholars, this book explores how African musical traditions and dance act as political commentary and forms of resistance in Africa.
The volume draws on Christopher Small's concept of "musicking" to explore the intersection between music, dance, and politics across the diverse cultural landscapes in Africa, particularly South Africa, Malawi, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. Chapters cover case studies of how music and dance have been used as tools of political messaging and means of performing, visualizing and localizing activism, resistance, propaganda, and power in politics.
It is structured into three main parts. The first part examines how music and dance serve as vessels for communal memory and heritage. Part two explores the role of music and dance as a tool to fight for democracy and justice. Part three highlights the role of dance and music in elections.
This book is essential for scholars and students interested in music and dance as conceptual tools for studying politics as a cultural phenomenon in Africa.
Solomon Gwerevende is a research associate at the Music and Minority Research Centre at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Austria.
Trust Matsilele is Senior Lecturer of Journalism in the Department of English and Media at Birmingham City University, UK and Research Fellow in the Communication Science Department at the University of South Africa, South Africa.
Wonder Maguraushe is Senior Lecturer in the Music Business, Musicology and Technology Department at Midland State University, Zimbabwe.
