Hidden dialogicality in Mafhuwe—a critical discourse analytical interpretation of struggles of power relations in Tshivenḓa women songs of protest

Abstract

Mafhuwe songs have been interpreted by some scholars as working songs that Vhavenḓa women sing as they pound maize during the night to deal with fear. Other scholars see these songs as a form of poetry with an element of protest chanted by the Vhavenḓa women against the harsh treatment they get from their in-laws. The aim of this article is to demonstrate that, in addition to the above, mafhuwe are poetry-cum-songs that are chanted to illustrate power relations between two parties. The singer uses her voice to respond to the voice of the unseen and unheard interlocutor who is usually known to her and in some instances is very powerful.