Bahlabelelelani – Why Do They Sing?: Gender and Power in Contemporary Women’s Songs

This book explores the nature of women's contemporary songs in the rural community of Zwelibomvu, near Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal, and examines the content and purposes of the songs through the lens of gender and power. Women use allusive languages such as ukushoza to express their experiences and commentary on being a woman in this society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Indigenous societies, deeply rooted in patriarchy, employ diverse channels to address the abusive aspects of relationships within certain communities. One such avenue is through songs, which empower women to express their thoughts and experiences, often constrained by societal expectations. This book delves into the nature of contemporary women's songs in the rural community of Zwelibomvu, situated near Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal. Its primary objective is to answer the question, "Bahlabelelani – Why do they sing?" By drawing upon various discourses of gender and power, the book examines the content and purposes of these songs.

Restricted by custom, women resort to allusive languages, such as those found in ukushoza, a song genre that encompasses poetic elements and solo dance songs. When considered in conjunction with interviews and focus group discussions, the songs present a multifaceted portrayal of women's lives in contemporary rural KwaZulu-Natal, offering their insights into what it means to be a woman in this society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032630601