International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XII, December 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Kujata Jata:Tonga Song Blasts Past Hegemonic Barriers
Tongai Jonhera
Department of Media and Journalism Studies, Zimbabwe Open University, Zimbabwe
*Correspondent Author
Abstract: In a Zimbabwean context,minority languages are marginalised, as a result of the hegemonic influence of Shona and Ndebele.This hegemonic influence is is quite visible in various media and cultural texts,including music.Drawing on the Gramscian theory of hegemony,this study analyses the linguistic and cultural impact of Kujata jata,a song that was done in Tonga,which is one of the minority languages.The study gathered data using 10 qualitative in-depth interviews.The study ascertained that the song,has played a prominent role in promoting the Tonga language and culture.Despite the achievements of the song,a lot of hegemonic barriers are still intact.In light of the above,a lot still needs to be done to emancipate the Tonga language and culture.This study,therefore,advocates for a multi-pronged approach to the promotion of the Tonga language and culture.This approach must involve the production of more Tonga songs,films,literature and other cultural products,that reflect the Tonga culture.
Keywords: Minority languages,hegemony,barriers
I. INTRODUCTION
Zimbabwean music plays an important role in shaping the country’s culture and social discourse.Over the years musical compositions of different genres have apart from providing entertainment,provoked debate,educated the nation,provided social commentary and constructed identities.Therefore Zimbabwean music can be characterised as something beyond entertainment,since it carries complex social and moral meanings (Schulz,2012).
The construction of the Zimbabwean musical identity is however,historically based on favouring the music of dominant ethnic groups,thereby formulating a national musical culture of silencing alternative creative musical projects from minority groups such as the Tonga, on radio and television stations.This exclusion of ethnic minority music from the Zimbabwean broadcasting stations can be construed as part and parcel of the grander scheme of excluding ethnic minority languages from the mainstream media.