An analysis of the contribution of South African music to Bulawayo popular culture. Case of Nketa and Nkulumane youths.

ABSTRACT

Music is central in shaping popular culture for the youth in many societies. This study analyses

the contribution of South African music to popular culture among the youth of Nketa and

Nkulumane in Bulawayo. Theoretically, the study is informed by identity, uses and gratification

and encoding and decoding theories of the media. It adopts a qualitative research approach in

conducting the research. The study reveals the different components in which South African

music is contributing to popular culture among the youth. Music videos and lyrical content are

seen to be the biggest carrier of the culture through the contribution to dance, way of dressing,

language and slang, subculture/behaviour and lastly local talent. Prominence of South African

music among the youth of Nketa and Nkulumane is also compared to their treatment of local

music genres. The research also reveals that tribal differences are main cause for the kind of

music preference by youth of Nketa and Nkulumane. Recommendations are made to the

government, the music industry in Zimbabwe and also the youth themselves.

Read Download