UFH Music Department making waves on international conference stages

The University of Fort Hare's (UFH) Music Department continues to make its mark on the global stage with a remarkable showing at prestigious international conferences.

Recently, a team of graduates who are currently pursuing their master’s degrees and lecturer, Mr Thembela Vokwana showcased their research at the International Library of African Music (ILAM) conference held at Rhodes University.

ILAM is a research institution devoted to the study of music and oral arts in Africa and is one of the world's great repositories of African music. The event marked the 70th anniversary of the library and paid tribute to its founder, Andrew Tracey.

This appearance follows the group’s successful presentation at the South African Society for Research in Music (SASRIM) conference held at Wits University in July where the HOD, Mr Ndumiso Mtshali also presented his work.

The topics presented at the ILAM conference delved into various aspects of African music, its history, and its contemporary relevance.

Amanda Phetheni presented a comparative study of the musical traditions (umphahlo wendlavini) of the amaXesibe and amaMpondo communities.

Nomonde Makamba’s topic titled: ‘Le bollo La Basadi’: Basotho Women’s Initiation Music, shed light on the significant role of women’s initiation music in Basotho culture, emphasizing its importance in cultural rites and the preservation of traditions.

Through his presentation, ‘Lo ngumhlaba Wethu’ – This is our Land: Place, Memory and Dispossession in Selected Compositions, Mr Vokwana examined how place, memory, and dispossession are articulated in the works of renowned composers, Reuben Caluza and James Khumalo.

Yonela Kese’s presentation titled: The Voice of Hugh Masekela: Analysing Stimela and Khawuleza explored the powerful musical narratives within Hugh Masekela’s works, focusing on his influential pieces "Stimela" and "Khawuleza."

While Mohau Mogale discussed the reconstruction of Tswana indigenous art song and choral composition.

Mr Vokwana said the department’s participation at these two conferences highlights its ongoing efforts to contribute to the global discourse on African music and to honour the legacies of those who played meaningful roles in preserving the history of African music.

“These conferences not only provide a valuable opportunity for students and the faculty to share their research but also strengthen UFH’s position as a leading institution in the field of music studies.”