The Role of Context in the Composition and Performance of Bukusu Children’s Play Songs

• Author(s): Sylvia Wasilwa ; Dr. Felix Orina ; Dr. Kennedy Simiyu
• Paper ID: 1704950
• Page: 184-191
• Published Date: 18-08-2023
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 7 Issue 2 August-2023

Abstract

Singing has been described as the most common and natural phenomenon observed in children as they grow up. The sources of the songs that children sing are drawn from their immediate environment and everyday experiences. The Bukusu community is rich in social, cultural, historical experiences which are celebrated by song and dance. Song and dance is not a preserve for adults, children have their own songs which are enacted in various ways. They use the play songs which add rhythm and enjoyment to their play at the same time socializing with one another. This study is informed by the fact that the artfulness of Bukusu children’s play songs is not entirely found in oral texts as conventionally conceived but in live performances. This paper explores the role of context in the composition and performance of Bukusu children’s play songs. It examines how the environment in Bukusu community influences the composition of the children’s play songs and also how these songs are performed so that the aesthetics embedded in them is brought out. The children’s play songs are not composed and performed in a vacuum rather they take place within specified contexts which brings out the beauty in them. The study is important because it recognizes children’s play songs as an important genre that brings out societal values and the organization of the society. Since children are a product of the societal values, their play songs cannot be separated from these values. Data for the study was collected through oral interviews and participant observation. Purposive sampling was employed. Ethnopoetics and Performance theory was employed to investigate the different perspectives from which Bukusu children’s play songs are performed and interpreted. The study will enable us gain insight into children’s creativity and appreciate the importance of context in the creation of aesthetics in children’s play songs. The study will also create a reference for future literary scholars.

Keywords

Aesthetics, Context, Bukusu, Children, Play Songs.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Sylvia Wasilwa , Dr. Felix Orina , Dr. Kennedy Simiyu "The Role of Context in the Composition and Performance of Bukusu Children’s Play Songs" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 7 Issue 2 2023 Page 184-191

IEEE:
Sylvia Wasilwa , Dr. Felix Orina , Dr. Kennedy Simiyu "The Role of Context in the Composition and Performance of Bukusu Children’s Play Songs" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 7(2)