Holy Praiseco: Negotiating Sacred and Popular Music and dance in African Pentecostalism

Abstract

One of the biggest attractions of the Pentecostal movement is its liturgy, which is partly expressed through music and dance. The growth of the popularity of Pentecostal music in Africa has been phenomenal. Its impact on the general music scene and the society in general is seen in the number of high-profile secular or "juju" musicians who have become gospel singers, evangelists and pastors. It has also affected politicians and
the celebrants of rites of passage who borrow freely from gospel music and dance. Focusing on this aspect of the movement this article explores how Pentecostal music and dance traditions have attempted to supplant the "disco" music and dance of discotheques. It traces how the new musical tradition or gospel music originated and developed and how the Pentecostals who were initially wary of popular cultures negotiated between sacred and popular music and dance.