'Bongo Flava' and the electoral campaign 2005 in Tanzania

Reuster-Jahn, Uta

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Title:	'Bongo Flava' and the electoral campaign 2005 in Tanzania
Author:	Reuster-Jahn, Uta
Year:	2008
Periodical:	Stichproben - Vienna Journal of African Studies
Volume:	8
Issue:	14
Pages:	41-69
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Tanzania
Subjects:	popular music elections 2005
External link:	https://stichproben.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/p_stichproben/Artikel/Nummer14/Nr14_Reuster-Jahn.pdf
Abstract:	This article examines how 'Bongo Flava' artists in Tanzania commented with their songs on the general elections of 2005. 'Bongo Flava', or 'the music of the young generation', evolved in the 1990s. Originally based on American hiphop music, it increasingly accommodated local tastes and conditions. The lyrics of the songs are in Swahili and they are characterized by youth language and slang expressions. The analysis shows how 'Bongo Flava' songs reflect the artists' political awareness and their perception of their role as educators of society. But it also shows that the artists did not speak in unison. Some voiced criticism of politicians, others also of voters. Criticism was expressed both in a direct and in an indirect, humorous way. Some songs can be interpreted as praise songs for the presidential candidate of the dominating party CCM. The diversity of style and the range of positions taken show that 'Bongo Flava' is a multifaceted cultural phenomenon which has assumed a role in public political discourse. It is also evident that some 'Bongo Flava' artists with their support for the ruling party aimed at enhancing recognition and acceptance by political leaders. The article suggests that their expressed concern for the nation as well as religion supported that endeavour. The corpus on which the article is based comprises 'Bongo Flava' songs that were aired at a private radio station in Dar es Salaam during the electoral campaign period. The full text of the lyrics is available online at the website of 'Stichproben'. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and German. [ASC Leiden abstract]