Description
Abstract
This paper interrogates the role in which popular songs plays in the transmission and popularization of (im) morality in Kenyan Society. The paper attempts an analysis of selected popular songs in an attempt to identify the moral lessons therein. The paper further urges that those songs that are considered immoral in fact serve to highlight the expected form of morality which is based on religious ethical values. The structural and stylistical 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 selection of songs analyzed is limited to those in two ethnic languages namely Kamba and Kalenjin and a few in Swahili. The paper concludes that music has been used to transmit desirable moral principles while at the same time castigating the desirable ones.
Key words: Popular, Culture, contemporary, songs.
