Traditional ritual musicking as a medium for communicating ideals for social cohesion among the Zezuru communities of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The paper interrogates how musicking and other ritual activities in traditional ceremonies help mitigate social disparities and discontent among the Zezuru people of Zimbabwe. The paper presents views and constructions on how these ceremonies and their associated musical practices act as sources of social cohesion and contribute to the sustainability of a society’s hegemony and social fabric. The discussion is grounded in field notes collected from culture bearers in Chikoma district through a qualitative ethnographic study of performances during the Zezuru traditional ceremonies, such as the ritual for cleansing the deceased’s spirit (kurova guva), finger millet threshing event (jakwara), and the rain-making ceremony (mukwerera). Findings indicated that musicking, as an integral part of these rituals, plays a crucial role in instilling the spirit of oneness (unhu/ubuntu) among community members. Elements such as dance (kutamba), singing (kuimba), ululating (kupururudza), spirit possession (kusvikirwa), and instrument playing (kuridza) form a sonic nexus in which participants engage collectively, reinforcing social harmony beyond the ceremonial context. The involvement in musicking during these ceremonies also helps resolve social and political tensions within the community. Community leaders, including spirit mediums, kraal heads, and chiefs, act as gatekeepers for these traditional ceremonies and strive profusely to uphold their significance by enforcing norms, values, and continued reverence for the ceremonies. However, these efforts face challenges from external influences such as Christianity, migration, urbanization, and modern technology, which threaten the continuity of these cultural practices.