Article

Social transformation in South Africa through the musical arts: a Batswana experience with specific reference to the Ikageng-Bill Cosby Cultural Group

Published in: Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa
Volume 6 , issue 1 , 2009 , pages: 35–58

DOI: 10.2989/JMAA.2009.6.1.2.1054

Author(s): Christian Onyeji1 , , , , South Africa

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between social transformation and identity formation in contemporary South Africa with specific reference to the experience of a Batswana musical ensemble. The notions of social transformation and identity are explored from the social perspectives of the Ikageng-Bill Cosby Cultural Group as they developed in their musical arts practices; this could present a microcosmic example of the macrocosmic transformation processes in the South Africa.

1 This research was made possible by the Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship at the School of Music, North- West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa for a period of three years (2007-2009), funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and the North-West University. The fellowship prioritises research on, and documentation and recording of, Batswana music. The position enabled me carry out intensive field research (recordings, interviews, personal participation, observations and interactions) with the group in their cultural context. This is supported by my personal experiences and observations of the musical traditions of South Africa as a doctoral student at Pretoria University and my casual impressions of the cultures during several academic and performance visits to the country since 1999. This experience has been complemented by consulting relevant secondary sources.

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