E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (EHASS) - ISSN 2720-7722

Introduction
Since the demise of the colonialism in Africa, several African countries have been attempting to restore their indigenous languages, music, and dance that were marginalised by colonisers. Indigenous living cultural traditions such as music and dance faced significant barriers during colonisation due to forced cultural assimilation (including music restrictions) that accompanied the greater oppressions of colonial occupation and imperial exploitation of Indigenous territories.[1] Research on the history, state, function, and performance contexts of indigenous African musical practices has revealed troubling findings. Some practitioners are unable to make a living from their art, and some practices are on the verge of extinction due to the mortality of the few remaining practitioners. Indigenous African music has recently evolved.[2]

In the South African context, its historical narratives have presented Eurocentric perspectives and perceptions for decades. On the Indigenous African Languages, Music, and Dance front, it is significant to note that South African scholars have been attempting in many ways to advocate for decolonising the Eurocentric perspectives[3], however, not much research has been done on the importance of preserving and revitalising indigenous African languages, music, and dance cannot be overstated in today’s globalised world. Collectively, the literature postulated that, as Africa continues to navigate socio-political and economic challenges, there is a growing need to reassert and protect the cultural legacies that have shaped its diverse peoples.[4] This Special Issue, Harmonies of Heritage: Preserving Indigenous African Languages, Music, and Dance, was born out of this necessity. The collection seeks to explore the various ways in which African heritage, through its languages, music, and dance, not only survives but thrives despite the pressures of modernity, globalisation, and colonial histories. Therefore, by bringing together diverse perspectives, this issue highlights the centrality of cultural preservation in contemporary African society and its profound implications for identity, community, and social transformation.

Overview of Contributions
The articles featured in this Special Issue reflect a broad spectrum of scholarly inquiry into the preservation and revitalisation of African cultural forms. Each contribution provides a unique lens through which we can understand the complexities of African heritage and its ongoing evolution:

1. 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) : Examining the intersection of indigenous African music and globalisation, this article looks at the role of music in the African Renaissance and its potential to reclaim cultural autonomy in a globalised world. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245151
2. Exploring elements of Gender Stereotypes and Stereotyping in some Zulu Wedding Songs (Khayelihle Excellent Khumalo & Bongephiwe Dlamini-Myeni) : The study focuses on female gender stereotypes and stereotyping. This study critically examines Zulu wedding songs to understand how they perpetuate or challenge societal gender norms. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245152
3.  “Nibezwe kodwa ningabalaleli” – An analysis of hidden treasures in African literature (Celimpilo Piety Dladla): This study critically explores African literature, focusing on the creative strategies 19th-century authors employed to resist censorship in African literary expression. The paper addresses the prevalent criticisms of African literature (Figone, 2012) by examining Nyembezi’s novel “Inkinsela YaseMgungundlovu,” translated as “The Richman of Pietermaritzburg,” by Ngidi (2008). This article explored invaluable lessons hidden within African literature, arguing for a broader recognition of its oral traditions and their contemporary significance.https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245153
4. An Assessment of Gender Stereotypes and Messages Contained in Zulu Traditional Wedding Songs – A Case Study of the Mandeni Community (Zinhle Primrose Nkosi, Alexandra O’Neil, Rejoice Lindiwe Gugu Cele & Silindile Nonkululeko Thethwayo) : This research delves into the gender dynamics expressed in Zulu wedding songs, particularly within the context of the Mandeni community. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245154
5. Hip-hop, identity, and cultural hybridity: An exploration of Motswako as a Bicultural phenomenon (Kgomotso Mothokhumo Ambitious Theledi & Soyiso Khetoa): The piece investigates the Motswako genre as a cultural expression that blends different identities, positioning hip-hop as a vehicle for cultural hybridity in modern Africa. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245155
6. A desktop review of linguistic practices in higher education post #FeesMustFall protests (Soyiso Khetoa): This study explores the implications of linguistic practices for epistemic justice, academy, and multilingual citizenship post #FeesMustFall demonstrations. This contribution reflects on the role of multilingualism in South African higher education, particularly how it intersects with social justice movements and the quest for inclusive citizenship. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245156
7. The Good, The Bad and The Legacy of Kwaito (Madimabe G. Mapaya & Thulani G. Zulu): This article investigates kwaito music’s role in revitalising South African youth. Kwaito is more than a music genre; it is a cultural movement reflecting the experiences, aspirations, and challenges of youth in ekasi (South African townships)  https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245157
8. Towards Sustainable Preservation: Revitalising Indigenous African Instruments and Craftsmanship (Ntshengedzeni Evans Netshivhambe): This study addresses a critical gap in the scholarship of indigenous African music by shifting the focus from preventing the extinction of musical traditions to ensuring the sustainability of indigenous African instruments within academic frameworks. This article discusses strategies for the sustainable preservation of indigenous African musical instruments, which are at risk of being overshadowed by modernity and technological advancements.  https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245158
9. Ubuntu as a dramaturgical tool for building community in protests (Refiloe Lepere & Tebogo Radebe): Focusing on the role of Ubuntu, this article highlights how the philosophy has been used in social protests as a tool for building solidarity and fostering community resilience. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20245159

Conclusion
This Special Issue provides a vital platform for understanding the complexities surrounding the preservation of indigenous African languages, music, and dance. The contributions offer valuable insights into the challenges of maintaining cultural practices in the face of modern pressures, while also showcasing innovative methods for their revitalisation. These articles underscore the critical need for a renewed focus on cultural heritage as both a political and artistic expression of African identity. Through these scholarly contributions, we hope to inspire further discourse and action toward the preservation of Africa’s rich and diverse cultural traditions, ensuring that they continue to resonate for generations to come.

Dr. Sakhiseni Joseph Yende (PhD)
Lecturer (College of Education) 
Department of Language Education, Arts & Culture 
E-mail: yendesj@unisa.ac.za 

Bibliography
[1] Solomon, Gwerevende and Zama M. Mthombeni. “Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage: exploring the synergies in the transmission of Indigenous languages, dance and music practices in Southern Africa.” International Journal of Heritage Studies 29, no. 5 (2023): 398-412.

[2] Ndwamato George Mugovhani,. “Emerging trends from indigenous music and dance practices: A glimpse into contemporary Malende and Tshigombela.” Southern African Journal for Folklore Studies 25, no. 3 (2015): s81-s96

[3] Paul Ugor and Lord Mawuko-Yevugah. African youth cultures in a globalized world: Challenges, agency and resistance. Routledge, 2016.

[4] Sakhiseni Joseph Yende, “Challenges Experienced by South African Indigenous Musicians: A Critical Discourse Analysis.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 4, no.11 (2023): 1404 -1414. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20234118