BEYOND THROBBING DRUMS AND PIERCING FLUTES: BUDIMA ORAL PERFORMANCES AND THE CULTURAL RESILIENCE OF THE ZAMBEZI VALLEY TONGA
Keywords:
Budima, Cultural Resilience, Appraisal, Afrocentricity, Zambezi Valley Tonga, Social Change, Relocation
Abstract
This article focuses on the Zambezi Valley Tonga’s utilisation of budima to narrativise their search of unity, solidarity and cultural identity following dislocation. Budima is a musical ensemble for the Valley Tonga both in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Sadly, budima is slowly losing its place because young members have sided with Eurocentrically gowned, Christian inspired modernity. The article explores social dynamics that give budima the cultural resilience amid vicious cultural forces. It analyses challenges encountered by relocated communities, adjustments they made and relationships they established with upland communities. Through the selected songs, the article demonstrates that there is more than throbbing drums and piercing flutes in budima performances. Using the Appraisal and Afrocentricity theories, the article engages the performance-centred approach to examine attitudes and beliefs that the Valley Tonga attach to the symbiotic relationship between the living and transitioned kin.
Published
2023-08-09
How to Cite
Siakavuba, J., & Musiyiwa, M. (2023). BEYOND THROBBING DRUMS AND PIERCING FLUTES: BUDIMA ORAL PERFORMANCES AND THE CULTURAL RESILIENCE OF THE ZAMBEZI VALLEY TONGA. ZANGO: Zambian Journal of Contemporary Issues, 36(1), 45-61. Retrieved from https://nscme.unza.zm/index.php/ZJOCI/article/view/1040
Section
Articles