Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa

Scope & Guideline

Amplifying Voices in the African Music Scene

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1812-1004
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2004 to 2005, from 2007 to 2023
AbbreviationJ MUSIC ARTS AFR / J. Music Arts Afr.
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa serves as a vital platform for the exploration and dissemination of research related to music and its cultural significance across the African continent. The journal emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from musicology, ethnomusicology, cultural studies, and education to foster a deeper understanding of musical practices in Africa.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
In recent years, the Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa has witnessed the emergence of several trending themes that reflect the evolving landscape of music research in Africa. These themes indicate a growing interest in contemporary issues, innovative practices, and the integration of technology within the musical arts.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

While the Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa continues to evolve, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence or frequency in recent publications. This shift reflects changing interests within the field and the emergence of new priorities in African music research.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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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