The influence of information technology on the socio-political song in Kenya

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Periodical article

Title:	The influence of information technology on the socio-political song in Kenya
Authors:	Kilonzo, Susan Magak, Kitche Omwalo, Bryson
Year:	2015
Periodical:	Critical Arts: A Journal of Media Studies (ISSN 1992-6049)
Volume:	29
Issue:	4
Pages:	518-536
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Kenya
Subjects:	political songs information technology freedom of speech
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/02560046.2015.1078550
Abstract:	This article examines how the growth of socio-political songs in Kenya reflects the effect of the evolution of information technology (IT). The unprecedented proliferation of IT - especially mobile telephony, the Internet and frequency modulation (FM) radio - has played havoc with authoritarian control of information, especially by governments. The speed and modes through which information and song are transferred have diversified, making it possible to send, receive and access both quite easily. Using three epochs of leadership in Kenya, the authors show how the dynamics of the socio-political song have transformed from an authoritarian regime, when the state muzzled freedom of expression, to a more democratic era of IT, where artists can more easily reach their audience. By analysing music with lyrics and secondary data, the authors show that freedom of speech is as important as the proliferation of IT. Both are necessary conditions for the growth of socio-political song. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]