MST-Department of Literature

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Browsing MST-Department of Literature by Subject "Akamba"

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    Representation of Gender in Contemporary Pop Songs of the Akamba of Kenya
    (kenyatta university, 2023) Kiio, Emmanuel Mutiso; Mugo Muhia; Stephen Mutie
    The Akamba people’s way of life is reflected in their folklore, both traditional and contemporary popular songs. This research delves into a detailed analysis of selected Akamba contemporary pop songs, especially on their representation of gender. The study analyses the images of women in selected contemporary Akamba pop songs. Secondly, it examines the stylistic choices Akamba contemporary pop artists use to depict the female figure. Thirdly, it analyses the intersecting areas of women’s oppression depicted in the selected Akamba pop songs. The theoretical framework leans on feminist theory precisely on intersectionality, a feminist strand propounded by Kimberlé Crenshaw. It also borrows ideas from Luce Irigaray’s feminist thoughts on gendered language. The study employs a qualitative research methodology. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting data, whereby eighteen songs were selected to represent Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, and Nairobi counties. The songs were sourced from the internet (YouTube). Transcription and translation were done thereafter. Using the theoretical lens of feminism and secondary texts, data was interpreted in line with the study objectives. The study establishes that most songs use imagery to express their views and perpetuate negative female stereotypes. Consequently, the study reveals how the stylistic choices in contextual usage contribute to the marginalization of women in society. It also reveals areas where the female figure is discriminated against by the dual oppression of gendered marginalization and colonialism, which overwrote the African idea of beauty and identity. Additionally, the study reveals that media narratives and beauty trends push African women to use bleaching agents like Mikorogo, which harms their health. This research recommends further studies on similar topics addressed in Akamba pop songs, such as politics, history, and colonialism, to illustrate how setting and characterization depict women are celebrated as heroic trailblazers who contribute to the betterment of society.