Her surname, Ngoma, means “song” — and fittingly, her life has become one. A song of passion that recently reached a historic high note when Dr Kutala Ngoma made history as the first person to earn a Doctor of Music degree from the University of Fort Hare (UFH).
Dr Ngoma graduated from UFH earlier this month during the Spring Graduation.
“This is deeply humbling and historic. Fort Hare has produced many of Africa’s greatest leaders, from Nelson Mandela to Oliver Tambo. To now stand as the first Doctor of Music from this institution is both an honour and a responsibility.”
“It represents a victory for everyone who has fought for the recognition of African music, indigenous knowledge, and cultural heritage in academia. Our sounds and traditions deserve scholarly recognition — African music is not just performance; it is philosophy, history, and identity. This doctorate is for my ancestors, my family, and my community — those who sang before they could write and taught before they could publish,” said.
A Passion for Music and Academic Excellence
Born Kutala Mahlutshana with roots in the villages of kuChaba and Nyanga in Engcobo, Eastern Cape, Dr Ngoma’s love for music and learning began early. By 1983, she was already a teacher after earning her Junior Secondary Teachers Certificate from Cicira College of Education in Mthatha.
While teaching across the province, she studied part-time for her Bachelor of Education in Music Education at the University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University). She later completed her Honours and Master’s degrees in Music at the University of Pretoria, strengthening her path as a dedicated educator and scholar.
In 2008, she became the Provincial Music Coordinator for the Eastern Cape Department of Education, helping to shape music teaching across schools. Later, she joined Walter Sisulu University as a lecturer and supervisor, mentoring young music educators.
Guided by a Trailblazer
Dr Ngoma’s PhD was supervised by Professor Zoliswa Fikelepi-Twani, a trailblazer in South African music scholarship.
“I am deeply grateful for Prof Fikelepi-Twani’s guidance,” said Dr Ngoma. “Her mentorship went beyond supervision, she built my confidence, guided me through complex theories, and reminded me that decolonisation is both a personal and academic journey.”
A Research Song of Liberation
Her research focuses on decolonising Indigenous African Music (IAM) education. Titled “Indigenous African Music Curriculum in Universities: Exploring Possible Approaches of Learning and Teaching at Walter Sisulu University, her study looks at how traditional, community-based music practices can be included in university curricula, connecting lived cultural experiences with academic study.
“This was driven by my commitment to preserving and recognising Indigenous African Music in higher education,” she explained. “I’ve seen how African traditions are often sidelined in favour of Western art music. I wanted to help change that by showing that our music, its philosophies and practices, belongs in universities as serious, respected scholarship.”
She worked with students, lecturers, and community music experts in her research. “Community-based and participatory approaches are the most authentic ways to teach IAM. When universities value local knowledge and include community experts as co-educators, they make education more inclusive and relevant.”
This innovative approach resulted in the Masifundisane model, a culturally rooted teaching and learning framework that bridges informal community knowledge with formal university education.
Her study also highlights the need to decolonise teaching methods. “We need approaches based on praxis and Ubuntu, ones that are human-centred, community-focused, and respectful of indigenous knowledge. Working together with local communities improves learning and restores dignity to African cultures.”
Challenges and Perseverance
The journey to her doctorate was not easy. “One of the hardest parts was bridging Western academic frameworks with African knowledge systems,” she said. “Universities often value written theory and structured teaching, while Indigenous African Music relies on oral traditions and experience. Balancing these required constant learning and innovation.”
She also had to build trust with communities while documenting their knowledge. “It took time, patience, and respect for cultural protocols — but it was incredibly rewarding.”
Balancing research, work, and family also required strength. “I drew power from my cultural roots, spirituality, and the support of my family and mentors. Ubuntu reminded me that this was not my journey alone, it was a shared one, guided by community and ancestors.”
Fort Hare: A Home of Heritage and Hope
For Dr Ngoma, studying at Fort Hare felt like returning home.
“Fort Hare shaped me into a scholar with a conscience. It reminded me that education must serve humanity. Walking its halls, you feel the presence of Mandela, Tambo, and Mbeki — and their legacy inspires a deep sense of duty.”
She adds, “Fort Hare did more than give me a degree, it grounded me in heritage and strengthened my commitment to transforming education in South Africa and beyond.”
The Music Continues
Now that she holds her doctorate, Dr Ngoma plans to continue researching Indigenous African Music, publish her findings, and mentor upcoming African scholars. She also hopes to work with traditional musicians and academic ensembles to create spaces that celebrate indigenous music and performance.
“This doctorate is not the final note. It’s the beginning, a prelude to a future where African music is studied, performed, and celebrated in its full depth and dignity.”
Through her, the University of Fort Hare added a new verse to its legacy, a reminder that African music and knowledge are vital to education, culture, and national identity.