The Significance of Stylistic Evolution of Kamabeka on the Bukusu Culture from 1945 to 2015
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Date
2018-02
Authors
Simiyu, Raphael Nashon
Orawo, Charles Nyakiti
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Science Arts and Commerce
Abstract
Technological, economic, social, religious, political and educational agencies have strongly impacted
on the Babukusu lives and their music in particular. Their performances of kamabeka have shifted in
time, venue and performance styles. Contrary to being performed during traditional marriages,
circumcision ceremonies, funerals and beer parties, kamabeka is performed in bars, restaurants and
nightclubs. This has led to the development of kamabeka in line with the demands of its consumers. New
musical instruments have been introduced in the litungu ensemble, hence new styles of its performance.
Kamabeka music compositions have been modernized to incorporate new scenarios and topics. The style
of performing kamabeka is ever evolving compromising its original structure hence its function. It casts
doubt as to whether the new styles of kamabeka can still convey values, beliefs and customs to the
Babukusu. Therefore, the study examined the significance of stylistic evolution of kamabeka to the
Bukusu culture in the use of texts for messages, lyrics for word formation and the structural forms of
kamabeka from 1945 to 2015. The study took place within and outside the Bukusu territory where
litungu musicians could be found. The study used a qualitative research methodology. The study
attended to performances to collect data by observation and post-performance oral interviews. Primary
sources included oral interviews from Kamabeka artists, dancers and listeners. Correctly designed
structured questions were used to ensure validity of qualitative data obtained. In addition, data obtained
was compared with that collected by the research assistant to avoid personal bias. For reliability,
structured interview schedule was evaluated through Test-Retest method to determine the desired
coefficient of 0.7 and above at the pilot stage. Secondary sources included newspapers, journals,
dissertations and books related to the study. The study was guided by Social Re-constructionism theory
by Guba & Lincolin (1989). The study used a descriptive data analysis method. An assessment of the
study against data analysis was done. Conclusions were drawn and recommendation made.
Description
A Research Article in the International Journal of Science Arts and Commerce
Keywords
Kamabeka, Stylistic Evolution, Social construction, Social deconstruction, Social reconstruction
Citation
Simiyu, R & Nyakiti,C.O. ( February 2018) • “The Significance of Stylistic Evolution of Kamabeka on the Bukusu Culture from1945 to 2015.” International Journal of Science Arts and Commerce. Vol. 3. No 2 pp.