Ethnic music in christian worship: a study of specific aspects of Akamba traditional music in the liturgy of the catholic church in Mwingi deanary

Abstract

This study addresses the problem of enculturation and integration of Akamba traditional music into the liturgy of the Catholic Church. It tries to identify the specific aspects of Akamba traditional music that have been incorporated into the liturgy. The concentration is on eighteen stations selected from Mwingi Deanery of Kitui Diocese. The data was acquired through observation, interviews, library and archival resources.

The study establishes the history of the Catholic Church in Kitui and the practice of music before and after the second Vatican Council (1962-5). It also considers the efforts of the church to make singing more relevant to the Akamba members of the congregation.

Different genres and instruments of Akamba traditional music are discussed. Melodic and rhythmic structures, instruments and performance practice are presented as aspects of Akamba traditional music incorporated in the liturgy. However, not all aspects of the Akamba Traditional music have been integrated into the liturgy.

In conclusion, a summary of the research findings, recommendations and suggestions for further research are given.