Tanzanian popular songs and social values: An appreciative analysis of selected songs

Abstract

This article examines how Tanzanian artists, Wagosi wa Kaya and Mr. Ebbo as an example, have defied expectations and confounded critics by employing humour in their songs to caution against risky behaviour. Popular Tanzanian songs have typically been accused for a number of years by the government and the general public of ‘destroying’ Tanzanian values, especially by promoting dangerous activity. These kinds of songs are usually banned, and the writers’ performance licences revoked by the government. Although many musicians have faced criticism for allegedly inciting dangerous behaviour through their music, Mr Ebbo and the Wagosi wa Kaya music group, distinguished musicians, have been notable exceptions. They have composed superb songs that contradict these charges. Using thematic and content analyses and informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the article emphasises how important it is for other people to value these and similar musicians in order to support them and push more musicians to write songs that are constructive and morally sound so that society can reap the benefits of the reintroduction of social values.