Going further: an organology of Ndara in Central Africa

Balekita, Jean Rene

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/121561 Copy

Description

Title

Going further: an organology of Ndara in Central Africa

Author(s)

Balekita, Jean Rene

Issue Date

2023-07-21

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Silvers, Michael B

Department of Study

Music

Discipline

Music

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.Mus.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

Going further, Walking, Spiritual transcendence, NDARA, Organology, Central Africa, and Democratic of Republic of the Congo.

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research project theorizes the idea of going further as an emic interpretation of ndara's story, its changing socio-cultural functions, and its role in my own life as a professional Congolese musician. The purpose of this project is to first, investigate the background of Ndara. Second, I consider the theory of going further as walking. Third, highlight going further as spiritual transcendence. Fourth, examine going further as population migration. Fifth, consider my own life to demonstrate going further as a life story. Finally, the conclusion brings up a summing-up of these fourth aspects that describe ndara as going further. This research involved asking open-ended questions to converse with respondents and to elicit data about the Ndara. I used different techniques which include participant observation, taking field notes, filming, and photography. The findings of my research underscore the different reasons that favor the mobility of the Kongo people and the rituals that surround the theory of going further. The motivation is the search for new settlement sites that can secure their situation, including to be successful in life, conflicts, the deterioration of the economic, political situation or environmental.

Graduation Semester

2023-08

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

© 2023 Jean Rene BALEKITA

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