Four dedicated researchers from the University of Fort Hare's Department of Music recently presented their scholarly work at the 20th Annual Conference of the South African Society for Research in Music (SASRIM). The prestigious event, held at the University of the Free State’s Odeion School of Music, focused on the compelling theme "Multidisciplinarity in (South) African Music Studies." This theme encouraged a broad exploration of music research, drawing connections across various academic disciplines and cultural contexts within the region. The conference served as a vital platform for scholars to showcase their latest research findings and engage in critical discourse. For the University of Fort Hare academics, it provided a significant opportunity to contribute their unique perspectives and rigorous studies to the broader intellectual conversations shaping South African music scholarship today.
The consistent presence of the University of Fort Hare's Department of Music at this annual gathering shows its unwavering commitment to advancing musicological research. For the past five years, the department has proudly presented the work of both its esteemed staff and talented students at the SASRIM conference, demonstrating a sustained dedication to academic excellence and scholarly contribution within the field.
Vokwana Explores Music and Urban Life
University of Fort Hare music lecturer Thembela Vokwana presented a thought-provoking paper titled "Exploring an Ambivalent Relationship: Caluza, Cityscapes, and Senses of Morality" at the conference. Vokwana articulated the department's pride in its consistent participation, stating that the Department of Music was proud to have consistently presented the work of its staff and students at the event. Vokwana further remarked, "This is a testament to the intellectual contribution UFH seeks to make to global musicological discourse and research," noting the university's ambition to influence music scholarship on an international scale.
Vokwana's paper delves deeply into how music serves as a powerful lens through which to explain the intricate social realities of township life. The research meticulously draws on a rich tapestry of personal memory, detailed urban history, and incisive musical analysis to construct its arguments. Geographically, the study traces experiences from the vibrant and complex urban environment of 1980s Umtata, extending its scope to other significant South African townships such as Khayelitsha and Soweto. This extensive geographical and temporal sweep allows for a nuanced understanding of urban development. The paper critically examines the historical policies that profoundly shaped Black urban life in South Africa, exploring their lasting impact on communities and cultural expressions. A significant component of Vokwana's study involves an in-depth analysis of the prolific work of composer R.T. Caluza and his influential choral music. This analysis includes specific, iconic songs such as "Ingoduso," "Umntakababa," and "UmaConsana," dissecting their lyrical content, musical structure, and social commentary to reveal deeper insights into the lived experiences they represent. The research illustrates how Caluza’s compositions not only entertained but also documented and reflected the moral and social landscapes of their time, particularly within rapidly evolving urban settings.
Student Research on Women and Masculinity
The conference also provided a platform for emerging scholars, including Master's student Mbasa Noguda, who presented compelling research titled "Hidden Yet Indispensable: A Musicological and Women’s Contributions to Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Success." Noguda's full study meticulously examines the multifaceted administrative, familial, and productive contributions of women to the enduring development and remarkable longevity of the internationally acclaimed vocal group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. This new research explores how these often-unacknowledged roles, though frequently operating behind the scenes, were absolutely key and indispensable to the group's sustained success and global recognition. Noguda's work sheds light on the vital support structures and unseen labor that underpin the achievements of prominent musical ensembles, challenging conventional narratives that often overlook the contributions of women in the music industry.
Another promising Master's student, Mava Gqeba, presented a paper that sparked considerable discussion, titled "Dear Tata… Who Gets to Be a Man? Performing Masculinity in the South African Music and Entertainment Industry." Gqeba’s incisive research focuses intently on Black queer identities and meticulously explores the complex ways in which artists within the entertainment industry navigate and often challenge prevailing societal expectations of masculinity. The study rigorously investigates the immense pressures and profound challenges faced by these artists as they operate within a highly public sphere, often under intense scrutiny regarding their personal identities and artistic expressions. Gqeba employs the careers of iconic artists such as Brenda Fassie, Lundi Tyamara, and Nakhane Touré as compelling case studies to vividly illustrate these dynamic and often fraught negotiations of identity and performance. These artists, through their public personas and artistic output, provide rich material for understanding the complexities of gender and sexuality in the South African context. Gqeba’s research draws significantly on their critically acclaimed one-man show, also titled "Dear Tata… What Makes a Man a Man? " which explores similar profound themes of identity, gender performance, and societal norms through a powerful artistic lens. Both student presentations contributed significantly to the conference's diverse and intellectually stimulating academic discussions, enriching the dialogue around identity, culture, and music.
Mahlasela on Xhosa Initiation Songs
Master’s student Qaqambile Mahlasela contributed to the conference with a paper titled "Performance as Research: Amagwijo, Multidisciplinary and Masculine Becoming in Xhosa Initiation." Mahlasela’s compelling study focuses on the traditional Xhosa songs, specifically known as amagwijo, which are integral to and performed during the sacred male initiation ceremony, ulwaluko. The research meticulously explores how these powerful and culturally significant songs contribute profoundly to the intricate process of masculine becoming within Xhosa culture, acting as a sonic guide and affirmation of identity. Mahlasela's work is deeply rooted in qualitative methodology, incorporating extensive fieldwork conducted within the communities, alongside invaluable personal lived experiences from the Idutywa region in the Eastern Cape. This full approach provides rich, nuanced insight into the profound cultural significance and multidisciplinary aspects of amagwijo within the specific context of Xhosa initiation rituals, revealing the interplay of music, tradition, and personal transformation. The study not only documents these traditions but also analyzes their role in shaping individual and communal identities.
UFH's Consistent Conference Presence
The conference took place at the University of the Free State’s Odeion School of Music, providing a fitting academic environment for the exchange of ideas. The University of Fort Hare's Department of Music has consistently maintained a strong presence at the annual South African Society for Research in Music (SASRIM) conference. This sustained engagement is a hallmark of the department's academic commitment. For the past five years, the department has diligently presented the advanced work of its staff and students at this key event, ensuring that their research contributes to the national and international conversation on music. This consistent and active participation notes the department's ongoing commitment to rigorous musicological research and its significant contribution to academic discussions within the field, cementing its reputation as a key player in South African music scholarship. The diverse range of topics presented by the UFH researchers reflects the department's broad intellectual interests and its dedication to exploring both traditional and contemporary facets of music in South Africa and beyond.
