Mwomboko and Music Traditions of the Agikuyu of Murang' a County
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Date
2013-10-16
Authors
Wangechi, Kinyua Hellen
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Abstract
This study focused on analysis of the" content and style of mwomboko music to
determine influential factors for its assimilation within the Agtkiiyii of Muranga
County. The study sought to find out the factors which could have led to the
survival of mwomboko music genre even after other neo-traditional genres had
disappeared.To do this, the study specifically analysed the rhythmic, melodic and
structural attributes of mwomboko in context of Ag'i'kiiyii music traditions. The
textual content of mwomboko in order to expose the meanings of the messages it
embodies. The role played by mwomboko within the socio- cultural setting of the
Agtkiiyii community. The study sought to find out factors that have influenced the
survival of mwomboko among the Agikiiyii. The study employed the descriptive
research design. Relevant information was gathered by reviewing litrature related
to the study. The reference materials were obtained from Moi Library, Kenyatta
University, Kenya National Archives, Nairobi University Institute of African
Studies, Bomas of Kenya, Kenya Institute of Education Library and KBC Library.
Relevant journals, periodicals were also used. The study location was within
Murang'a County since the County is one of the areas where mwomboko began.
The study used questionnaires which comprised both structured and unstructured
questions. The questionnaires were effective tools for obtaining important
information on the role played by mwomboko and the textual content. An interview
schedule was used which enabled the researcher to collect information concerning
the historical and developmental aspects of mwomboko. Participatory and nonparticipatory
observations were made in order to record what was observed during
data collection. This was in relation to the features that characterise mwomboko
and the style of performance. A sample of 45 members from three existing dance
troupes, namely Kamune, Kangema and Miikangii, a District Cultural
Development Officer, 3 Community Development Assistants, 2 elders from each
location were utilised in the study. Purposive sampling, random sampling and
snowball sampling methods were used to select the respective samples. Data from
the field were analysed through qualitative and quantitative methods of data
analysis. Research equipment included a still camera, a tape recorder, notebooks
and writing pads. Music was transcribed in Western staff notation and analysed
while song texts was transcribed and analysed to establish the emerging patterns
visa-vis the thematic content embodied in the song text. Responses from the
interviews and questionnaires were summarised. The findings were discussed and
conclusions made before proposing pertinent recommendations and suggestions
for further studies.
Description
Department Of Music, 294p. 2013, ML 3545 .K5