Mediated music and well-being for Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa

Abstract

Migration often leads to significant socio-cultural and psychological challenges, particularly for Zimbabweans living in South Africa, many of whom face the stigma of being labelled as “illegal” or “undocumented.” This study explores how mediated music, defined as music circulated through digital and broadcast platforms, supports the well-being of Zimbabwean immigrants in Johannesburg. Drawing on self-reported experiences, this article demonstrates how listening to familiar music from home fosters emotional resilience, cultural identity, and community connection. Through mediated music, immigrants manage stress, alleviate feelings of isolation, and find temporary respite from the hardships associated with their precarious legal status. Music not only provides distraction from daily challenges but also serves as a motivating force and a conduit for nostalgia, helping immigrants maintain ties to their homeland while negotiating their new environment. This study highlights the critical role of music in improving subjective well-being, offering insights into how immigrants navigate identity and belonging through their musical choices.