The Quest for Restoration of the African Renaissance through Indigenous African Music and Globalisation: A Case Study of South Africa
Sakhiseni Joseph Yende 
& Nsizwazonke Ephraim Yende
Issue: Vol.5 No.15 Special Issue Article 1 pp.1-11
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245151 | Published online 29th November, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu, this article contends that the revival of indigenous South African music transcends mere cultural revitalisation; it emerges as a transformative force for community empowerment. Through the cultivation of creativity, the bridging of generational divides, and the nurturing of a profound sense of belonging, Ubuntu reaffirms the intrinsic worth of everyone’s contribution to the collective cultural legacy. The African Renaissance, a dynamic movement dedicated to rejuvenating Africa’s cultural, political, and economic identity, finds its heartbeat in the resurgence of indigenous African music. This article embarks on an in-depth exploration of this study, focusing on a case study of South Africa. Employing a qualitative content analysis methodology, the study draws from a comprehensive array of scholarly sources including articles, book chapters, and theses. In doing so, this articlenot only contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between cultural preservation and community empowerment but also underscores the enduring spirit and cultural richness of the African continent. This article provides valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers engaged in the broader discourse on the African Renaissance and the pivotal role of indigenous music within it. This article concludes by mentioning that the quest for the restoration of the African Renaissance through indigenous South African music is a testament to the enduring spirit of the nation. It is evident that by embracing globalisation without compromising authenticity, South Africa exemplifies how a nation can reclaim its narrative and make meaningful contributions to the global cultural mosaic.
Keywords: African Renaissance, Cultural Revitalisation, Globalisation, Indigenous African Music, Ubuntu
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Dr Sakhiseni Joseph Yende, a Ph.D. graduate in Musicology from the University of Cape Town. Presently, Dr Yende serves as a lecturer in the College of Education in the Department of Language Education, Arts & Culture (UNISA). He has published extensively, with over 60 articles in DHET-accredited local and international journals. He is recognised for his research on Zulu worship music, Opera, Ubuntugogy in education, and African cultural heritage. A passionate advocate for preserving indigenous traditions, he is currently working in a book on Zulu Maskandi music. Dr Yende actively contributes to academic discourse through conference presentations and mentoring, fostering innovation and cultural appreciation in education and musicology.
Dr. Nsizwazonke E. Yende is a lecturer and Honours Programme Coordinator in the Department of Development Studies at the University of Mpumalanga, with over a decade of experience in higher education. Holding a Ph.D. in Community Development from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, he has also earned multiple degrees in development studies and is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education at the University of Johannesburg. Dr. Yende has published approximately 20 peer-reviewed articles in DHET-accredited journals and has supervised numerous Honours and Master’s students, with research interests spanning political economy, participatory governance, and sustainable development.
Yende, Sakhiseni Joseph & Nsizwazonke Ephraim Yende. “The Quest for Restoration of the African Renaissance through Indigenous African Music and Globalisation: A Case Study of South Africa,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 5, no.15 (2024):1-11. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245151
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
