RESILIENCE AND REVIVAL: EXPLORING THE PRACTICES AND SUSTAINABILITY OF ANCESTRAL MUSIC AMONG THE MARIMBA CULTURAL DANCERS OF MERU, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: This study examined the practices of the Marimba Cultural Dancers (MCD) from Meru, Kenya, as a means of investigating the resilience and revival of Amiiru (the people of Meru) 's ancestral music. The study further assessed their contribution to the sustainability of Indigenous music by examining their practices and methods of learning. It examined how the group's learning approaches ensure that their ancestral music survives the risks of diffusion and disappearance due to globalization.
Research Methodology: This case study involved 20 male MCD members, aged between 18 and 45 years. Data was collected through interviews conducted in four focus groups and video analyses of rehearsals and performances.
Results: The MCD group fosters more than musical learning–it emphasizes discipline, peer collaboration, and cultural preservation. Discipline is foundational, guiding behavior and recruitment, while structured learning processes ensure mastery of ancestral songs and dances through physical training and mentorship. Peer interaction and performance opportunities further strengthen group cohesion and motivation, sustaining their commitment to reviving and showcasing Amiiru’s traditional music.
Conclusion: The formation of MCD to revive Amiiru ancestral music shows how discipline, motivation, and indigenous oral learning methods can sustain cultural traditions while adapting to modern contexts. Though authenticity may be debated, their collaborative approach highlights the value of communal music-making in preserving heritage and calls for broader, inclusive research.
Keywords: Ancestral music, learning, globalization, performance
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