Diana Munyao1, Kiprotich Sang2 and Patrick Mulinge3
This paper interrogates the role which popular musing plays in the transmission and popularization of (im)morality in Kenya. The paper attempts an analysis of selected popular songs in an attempt to identify the moral lessons therein. The paper further argues that those songs that are considered immoral in fact serve to highlight the expected form of morality while at the same time contesting the normative presentation of morality which is based on religious ethical values. The structural and stylistic strategies employed by the artists will form the basis of analysis. In addition, aspects of language use in the lyrics will form an important component of investigation. The paper makes the assumption that the construction of the musical compositions are meant to serve a purpose and in this case, the aim is to transmit lessons in morality. The selections of songs analyzed are limited to those in two ethnic languages namely Kamba and Kalenjin and a few in Kiswahili. The paper concludes that music has been used to transmit desirable moral principles while at the same time castigating the undesirable ones.
