A descriptive analysis of Xitsonga contemporary music

Abstract

Indigenous music and dance can help one to vividly fathom the behaviour, values and morals of particular cultural groups, who perform its music and dance for various reasons. The indigenous music and dance of the Vatsonga also play a vital role in the lives of not only the Vatsonga, but also others who enjoy indigenous Xitsonga music and dance. However, there exist gaps regarding documentation, preservation and dance cultural practice. In this study the change in Xitsonga language usage in Xitsonga music, indigenous Xitsonga music and the change in Xitsonga dance genres are analysed descriptively and documented for posterity. The study was guided by a pragmatist paradigm, a case study design and mixed-method research design to analyse Xitsonga music. Random sampling was used to select 15 Xitsonga speakers. Purposive sampling was used to further select five Xitsonga speakers. Individual interviews were used to collect data from the five Xitsonga speakers and questionnaires were used to collect data from the other 15 Xitsonga speakers. The data collected were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The thematic method was used to analyse the findings of qualitative data, while quantitative data were analysed and interpreted. A study such as this one can also contribute to African indigenous knowledge systems.