The Cultural and Artistic Legacy of Oliver Mtukudzi: Using Language for Social Justice

This book delves into the legacy of Mtukudzi, an outstanding musician who used artistic manipulation of language to convey a timeless message of cultural identity, fighting for the respect of rights for women, children, and all. It unpacks how Mtukudzi subtly uses language to put across political views that speak truth to power, harnessing Zimbabwean language to articulate and promote the nation's cultural heritage and advocate for societal development and the promotion of rights of vulnerable groups.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 11 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into a profound and comprehensive examination of Mtukudzi's remarkable legacy, as an exceptional musician who firmly established his music on the foundation of cultural identity, particularly through the artistic manipulation of language. As a cultural worker, his responsibilities extended far beyond the realm of performance, elevating him to the esteemed ranks of African music icons such as Fela Kuti of Nigeria, Salif Keita of Mali, and Miriam Makeba/Hugh Masekela of South Africa, all towering giants in the world of African musical performance. This volume explores how Mtukudzi artistically crafted language to convey a timeless message of cultural identity, tirelessly advocating for the respect and rights of women, children, and all marginalized communities. It uncovers how Mtukudzi skillfully employs language to express political perspectives that speak truth to power, harnessing the richness of Zimbabwean language to articulate and promote the nation's cultural heritage, as well as to advocate for societal development and the protection of vulnerable groups.

The chapters within this volume are a vibrant blend of interdisciplinary Zimbabwean scholars from various fields, including linguistics, performance studies, religion, history, communication, and media studies. They unravel Mtukudzi's multifaceted persona as a fierce advocate for human rights and justice, subtly critiquing political systems and practices. Concluding the book, it is evident that Mtukudzi's ultimate goal was to be a cultural worker who wielded the power of language through music to contribute to the rehabilitation and revival of a battered African identity.

Weight: 503g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030971991
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022