Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa
Scope & Guideline
Documenting the Evolution of African Musical Arts
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Interdisciplinary Research in African Music:
The journal encourages research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries, integrating musicology with cultural studies, anthropology, and education to explore the complexities of musical practices and their societal implications. - Focus on Regional and Local Musical Traditions:
A significant emphasis is placed on the documentation and analysis of local and regional musical traditions, highlighting the diversity and richness of African music, from traditional forms to contemporary genres. - Cultural and Historical Contextualization:
The journal seeks to contextualize music within broader cultural and historical frameworks, exploring how music reflects and influences social, political, and economic dynamics in African societies. - Innovative Methodologies in Music Research:
The journal promotes the use of innovative methodologies, including qualitative analysis, case studies, and participatory research, to deepen insights into musical practices and their meanings. - Artistic Practices and Education:
Research on the intersection of artistic practices and music education is a core focus, examining how music is taught, learned, and performed within various African contexts.
Trending and Emerging
- Impact of Technology on Music Creation and Distribution:
Recent publications have increasingly addressed the role of technology in music creation and distribution, including discussions on digital music platforms and the implications of artificial intelligence in music production. - Exploration of Gender and Identity in Music:
There is a notable trend towards examining gender and identity within musical contexts, focusing on how these constructs influence artistic expression and community engagement in African music. - Cultural Relevance of Music in Social Movements:
The journal has seen growing interest in the role of music in social movements, exploring how musical practices contribute to political activism, cultural identity, and community resilience. - Contemporary African Music Education Practices:
Emerging themes in music education highlight innovative pedagogical approaches, particularly in the context of intercultural awareness and transnational perspectives in music teaching. - Indigenization and Cultural Appropriation in Music:
Research on indigenization and cultural appropriation within African music practices is gaining traction, addressing the complexities of cultural exchange and authenticity in contemporary music.
Declining or Waning
- Historical Analysis of Music Genres:
Themes centered around the historical analysis of specific music genres, such as the detailed study of traditional forms, have become less frequent, possibly due to a shift towards more contemporary and applied research in music. - Individual Artist Biographies:
The focus on individual artist biographies, while still relevant, has waned as researchers increasingly prioritize broader cultural and societal themes over singular narratives. - Conventional Ethnomusicological Approaches:
Traditional ethnomusicological approaches that rely solely on fieldwork documentation without critical engagement with contemporary issues appear to be declining, as the journal embraces more integrative and interdisciplinary methods.
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