Aside from traditional forms of music and dance, modern contemporary music has really taken hold into the Maasai culture. The Hip-Hop music form has been adopted by the Maasai as an instrument to tell the story of it's people and their struggles. This tribe is currently using the art form in two ways. In the first they use the music to represent to the local community, the possibility of international success. Secondly, it's used to project the image of African traditionalism, authenticity, and hybridity to their international audience (Thompson, 2008).
The use of traditional style of music or contemporary style doesn't take anything away from who the Maasai are as a people. Traditional garb of the Maasai is worn in concerts and videos, as well as the Swahili language (even though they also use English for their international audiences) is used as a way of not getting too far detached for the origin of the people. Maasai imagery, clothing and hairstyle are all used to "Keep it Real," (as is one of the titles of the referenced articles).
Music is definitely a big part of the historical and modern culture of the Maasai people. Because of its transcendent nature, world has been able to share and be educated about the culture, history, and evolution of this great nomadic tribe of Africa.
References
Thompson, 2008. Keeping it Real: Reality and Representation in Maasai Hip-Hop. Journal of African Cultural Studies. Vol. 20, No. 1, June 2008, pp. 33-44
Witherbee, 2016. Kenya, Our World
Busta Rhymes stlye song
https://youtu.be/k5zrW_933jQ?list=PLKI3tF07i-c7SIug2CUktFebxWsBUE_CL
Busta Rhymes Whoo Ha!
https://youtu.be/AiVpSSkwPU4
Before researching this tribe, I assumed (in my narrow western way of thinking), that I would only find information of traditional drum beating, bells, chanting, jumping and shaking that we may see on national geographic. When I began to look further into my research, I found a totally different perspective of who this tribe was musically. Not only did they use their traditional tribal form of song and dance, but they had also adopted Hip-Hop into their culture.
ReplyDeleteSome of the groups that are well known have made international headlines and have great followings. Kenya as a country has a rich history of art, and beauty. People travel from all over the world to experience the culture and traditions of the Kenyan people. Due to the influx of attention gained by the popular music of the Maasai, there has been an increased interest in listening to what they have to offer through music.
Music is a way for the Maasai to tell their story, practice their traditions, and educate themselves. Because they have created a history of using it as a cultural tool, they have not been too far detached with who they are in this ever evolving world. With everything going on around the Maasai, music has allowed them to stay true to their customs, and beliefs because they use it for so many purposes which are all surrounded by their history.
My personal view has changed since reading about how these people have transformed from a strictly indigenous tribe to a partially modernized society through their choice of music. Making this decision has provided the opportunity for the most unlikely of people to achieve success and see hope for a better tomorrow.
The music that I have grown up on, which has changed my personal perspective and world view, has helped me look at the culture of Africans and decedents of in a greater light. Its message has transformed not only my perspective but the world around us all in the process. The rhythm, beat, and message have crossed gender lines, religious and color barriers that maybe no single person could, but the voices of many which bring others together despite their differences. This music has not only helped me to look inside myself and discover a growing confidence and identity, but has landed me on stages across the country to share my personal message. A message about my beliefs and values that have helped me to bless others to learn from my personal mistakes and triumphs. This is what the Maasai have done with their music in sharing who they are and how they have made it through trials of an almost forgotten people to international audiences.
DeleteThe music that I have grown up on, which has changed my personal perspective and world view, has helped me look at the culture of Africans and decedents of in a greater light. Its message has transformed not only my perspective but the world around us all in the process. The rhythm, beat, and message have crossed gender lines, religious and color barriers that maybe no single person could, but the voices of many which bring others together despite their differences. This music has not only helped me to look inside myself and discover a growing confidence and identity, but has landed me on stages across the country to share my personal message. A message about my beliefs and values that have helped me to bless others to learn from my personal mistakes and triumphs. This is what the Maasai have done with their music in sharing who they are and how they have made it through trials of an almost forgotten people to international audiences.
DeleteThis is good, and I understand the change of mind -- the learning process, but how about mentioning something about your life with respect to the Music they have, the music you listen to. How about something related to your life, and power positions. Please, do this before the final presentation. Good job. Thanks
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