The influence of Xhosa traditional music and culture on modern South African jazz : exploring the narratives of six South African jazz musicians

Abstract

This study explored and identified primary elements within Xhosa traditional music and culture that may have an influence on the modern South African jazz sound and approach. The study further sought to investigate how the upbringing and cultural traditions of the selected musicians has possibly contributed to their unique sound, through investigating their backgrounds, compositional techniques, stylistic interpretation, and approach in their output. The narratives of six South African Xhosa jazz artists on their lives, practices, and works served as cases. A collective case study design was employed using semi-structured interviews which were then transcribed verbatim. Three main themes emerged, namely: 1) Early recollections; 2) Music learning processes; and 3) Sounding home within South African jazz. The first theme addressed the musicians’ early childhood experiences, surroundings, and the impact of family. The second theme mainly explored the musicians’ various forms of music learning. The third theme focused on musicians’ thought of the compositional process, primary musical influences, and incorporation of indigenous music within their works. The findings of the study unveil the distinct Xhosa traditional elements thoughtfully integrated into contemporary South African jazz. These elements have played a pivotal role in shaping South African jazz, infusing it with a distinctive character. The resonant echoes of Xhosa traditional music reverberate within the fabric of modern South African jazz, contributing to its unique sonic identity.