UGANDAN INDIGENOUS MUSIC IN FUSION WITH JAZZ: A CASE STUDY OF MUSIC AND MUSIC PEDAGOGIES IN BAXMBA WAVES BAND
Creators: name: Lubuulwa, Godfrey
Publisher: name: My University
Year: 2023
Subjects: subject: Godfrey Lubuulwa, Baxmba Waves band, Ugandan indigenous music, baakisimba, fusion of jazz, music in Uganda, Ugandan music, African music, Ugandan popular music, music education in Uganda, indigenous music pedagogies, Ugandan traditional music, Ugandan bands, the Big Five band, Kampala Jazz All-Stars band, Ssekitulege
subject: Music and Dance
subject: Theatre and Drama
subject: Arts

description: At the core of this study lies a profound exploration into the dynamic evolution of music practices and pedagogies of Baxmba Waves, a multicultural fusion band that was founded in 2005 and has flourished amidst the vibrant cultural tapestry of Uganda. Rooted in the expressive depths of jazz music, this band stands as a remarkable testament to the musical development that arises when musical genres intertwine and harmonize. This study investigated the evolution of Baxmba Waves, its pedagogical methods, and the potential application of its pedagogies into Uganda's music education curriculum. It examined the band's musical practices by exploring its goals, structure, and development as well as the experiences of learners and collaborators with the band. Through ethnographic approaches, this case study meticulously assembles a mosaic of knowledge through interviews, participant observation, questionnaires, library research, and media analysis. The written sources and oral testimony are enhanced by the integration of evocative visuals captured through the lenses of photography, audio, and video recordings. This study's findings indicate that the Baxmba Waves band presents transformative alternatives to conventional music teaching and learning approaches in the Ugandan music education curriculum. By exploring the fusion of jazz and Ugandan indigenous music, the band brings forth an awareness of the vast potential for integration within diverse musical styles. In this integration, students delve into the methods of learning indigenous and contemporary music as a unified and interconnected entity. Through these novel approaches, a gateway emerges, unveiling the intrinsic values deeply ingrained within cultural and intercultural music education systems. The fusion of jazz and Ugandan indigenous music thus becomes a bridge, guiding students toward a deeper understanding of musical traditions, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity, and cultivating a harmonious coexistence of musical expressions. The findings resonate deeply, shedding light on the imperative task of enlightening school administrators about the multifaceted functions of music that extend far beyond mere entertainment. The study beckons us to reimagine and embrace innovative paradigms of music learning and performance that harmoniously align with the intrinsic desires and expectations of musicians and their communities. It envisions a transformative path forward, advocating for the integration of esteemed groups like the Baxmba Waves band into the fabric of teacher-training programs in colleges and universities, where their invaluable experiences and insights can enrich teaching practices and reshape music curricula. This visionary approach paves the way for the fusion of music genres to permeate the heart of music education in Uganda, forging new avenues of creativity and self-expression. In acknowledging the inherent limitations of this research endeavor, the study humbly acknowledges the existence of unexplored vistas, beckoning further scholarly inquiry into other Ugandan music groups. By embarking on this uncharted exploration, we expand the frontiers of understanding, unraveling the intricate tapestry of music genre fusion and unearthing its potential to revolutionize music education in Uganda and beyond.