Musicking and Dancing Politics in Africa: Power, Activism, and Elections

Abstract

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.