The Changing Faces of Aawambo Musical Arts

Mans’s focus is to provide insight into Namibian cultural studies—music, dance, and drama, past and present, which has seldom been addressed. She hopes that the reader will come to a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of Aawambo musical practices by means of her presentation. Beginning with an historical overview and contextual background, the book focuses on the history as it is reflected in musical practices through various social and political upheavals of the previous two centuries, as gleaned from existing literature. She recounts music traditions from different gender perspectives, and investigates stories in Aawambo culture. She presents interviews with contemporary musicians, who tell their stories through war and peace. Nine chapters are: Aawambo people in Namibia; the work we do; praise and endurance; new from old; moonlight play; myths & metaphors; urban Oshiwambo music; an Aawambo musical world; a collection of Aawambo songs. There are abbreviations, a list of illustrations, a glossary of performance-related terms gathered during field research, a bibliography, and footnotes. Annotation ©2017 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)