Music Saved Them, They Say: Social Impacts of Music-Making and Learning in Kinshasa (DR Congo)

Music-making and learning in Kinshasa,DR Congo,have been shown to have a positive social impact on young people,helping them to rebuild their lives and overcome difficult living conditions. Music Saved Them,They Say is a tribute to the resilience and creativity of those involved in these projects and seeks to understand how structured musical practice and education can influence the lives of young people in such challenging environments.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Music-making and learning have had a profound impact on the lives of young people in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the poverty-stricken and often violent surroundings of Kinshasa, music has been a source of solace, hope, and empowerment for these individuals.

The musicians featured in this book are former gang members and so-called "witch children" who live on the streets. They have found music to be an essential tool in (re)constructing their lives and overcoming the challenges they face daily.

Through fieldwork carried out over the course of three-and-a-half years of research, the study synthesizes interviews, focus group sessions, and participant observation to contextualize this complicated cultural and social environment. The study seeks to understand how structured musical practice and education can influence the lives of young people in such difficult living conditions, in Kinshasa and beyond.

Inspired by those who have been saved by music, "Music Saved Them, They Say" seeks to showcase the resilience, engagement, and courage of the people involved in these projects. The book is a tribute to the persistence, dedication, and creativity of the individuals who have worked tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Kinshasa.

This book is not only a valuable resource for researchers but also for practitioners around the world who are working to address similar challenges. The stories and experiences shared in this book provide valuable insights into the power of music to transform lives and build communities.

The authors of this book are to be commended for their tireless efforts in documenting and sharing the stories of these musicians. Their work has shed light on the often overlooked and underappreciated role of music in society.

In conclusion, "Music Saved Them, They Say" is a powerful and inspiring book that showcases the transformative power of music-making and learning. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the people in Kinshasa and beyond, who have found music to be a source of hope and inspiration in their lives. The book provides valuable insights into the role of music in addressing social and economic challenges and offers a roadmap for practitioners working to create positive change in their communities.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 152 x 277 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367500184