Contemporary Shift of Batwa Music

July 19th 2023
Photo
Region
Uganda
Researcher
Source
Pearl Rhythm Foundation, The Batwa Community
Formats
Archive of the future
Conscious movement
Transdisciplinary research
Disciplines
Deep listening practices
Ethnomusicology
Field recording
Themes
Adaptation
Healing
Human footprint

Something seems to be changing in the Batwa sound

From their rich, authentic lutwa music, they have shifted to a mixture of influences from their constant interactions with different cultures within their historical communities and cross-border interactions. This is a familiar problem for intangible cultural expressions such as music among indigenous minority groups.

As a researcher and artist who cherishes her indigenous roots, I feel a strong obligation to try and save what's left of this precious original Ugandan fiber. Because I know what it means to lose one's identity as a person... and even more, as a people.