College of Human Sciences
Reviving indigenous sounds: Unisan's groundbreaking book launched
In a symphony of culture and academia, the Bamboo Auditorium at Unisa’s main campus witnessed a transformative event on 18 April 2024. Music Lecturer Dr Evans Ntshengedzeni Netshivhambe, a luminary in both scholarly circles and musical realms, took centre stage to launch his groundbreaking book, INVISIBLE or IGNORED: The Status of Indigenous South African Instruments in the Venda Society.
From left: Prof Siyasanga Tyali (Director: School of Arts), Prof Thomas Pooley (Acting Director: Unisa Music Foundation), Dr Evans Ntshengedzeni Netshivhambe (book author and Senior Lecturer in Music), Boitumelo Kembo (Lecturer in Art History), Bernett Mkwayi Mulungo (Lecturer in Music) and Dr Annemie Behr (Senior Lecturer in Music)
The afternoon unfolded with a captivating performance by Netshivhambe himself, as he not only presented his research findings but also breathed life into the forgotten melodies of Venda culture through a medley of traditional instruments.
Amidst the sounds, attendees discovered a crucial aspect of Venda musical heritage – the gendered roles of instrument players, where both men and women contribute to the symphony of cultural expression. Following the performance, a stimulating roundtable discussion ensued, delving into the heart of Netshivhambe's research. Participants grappled with the sobering reality that indigenous musicians are often relegated to the periphery of recognition and acknowledgment.
The book's genesis, inspired by this very neglect, served as a rallying cry for the preservation and promotion of indigenous musical traditions. As voices intertwined in dialogue, one resounding theme emerged: the importance of formalising and integrating indigenous instruments into academic discourse. Participants emphasised the need for comprehensive research and archival efforts to ensure that these invaluable cultural artifacts are not consigned to oblivion.
During the event, Prof Siyasanga Tyali, Director of the School of Arts, offered remarks from the floor, emphasising the profound significance of the occasion within the academic community. He underscored the event's positive impact on the deanery and proposed a visionary initiative to inaugurate a university festival dedicated to indigenous music. His suggestion resonated with the overarching theme of the book launch, aligning with the imperative to elevate indigenous musical traditions to a prominent position within scholarly and cultural discourse. Tyali’s proposal reflects a proactive approach towards fostering inclusivity and cultural appreciation within the academic sphere, signalling a promising step towards recognising and celebrating the rich tapestry of indigenous musical heritage.
The book launch was more than a scholarly event; it was a call to action, urging society to listen to the silenced voices of indigenous musicians and recognise their invaluable contributions. Through his research and performance, Netshivhambe has opened a gateway to a richer understanding of Venda culture, inviting us to embrace the melodies that resonate through the corridors of history.
* By IHlubi Veli Mabona, Marketing Assistant, College of Human Sciences
Publish date: 2024/05/21
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