A descriptive analysis of Tshifasi: An ordinary African musicological study

Abstract

Tshifasi music performance is part of Vhavenḓa traditional music. It seems, however, to be the least studied. As such, there is not much written about this genre. This means that the traditional value imbedded in tshifasi has not been fully explored for the benefit of society. It is for this reason that this current study is conducted. It seeks to describe and explain tshifasi. Apart from its social interactive aspect, particularly the dance performances between boys and girls, the study argues that there is more to this music genre than meet the eye. Given this position, the study analysed tshifasi to establish its inherent philosophies and structural patterns. The study used a combination of qualitative and African musicology approaches to gather information from prospective participants and to analyse data. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with key informants in order to gather information that enabled the study to decode tshifasi. The knowledge from the study of tshifasi will benefit communities. In this way, tshifasi would be seen as an inherent part of Vhavenḓa cultural expressions.