This class focusses on relationships between music and politics in sub-Saharan Africa with an emphasis on the following question: How does music reflect and drive political change in Africa? The course synergizes popular music with modern African musical styles and centers around four political themes: (1) nationalism and identity, (2) dictatorship and democracy, (3) violent conflict and genocide and (4) globalization.

Topics in the course include: 

Nationalism & Identity

• Formation and Politicization of Identity
• Nationalism and Nation-Building in Africa; legacies of colonialism
• National Anthems
• Tanzania: Umoja in a Divided Union
• South Africa: Coloring the Rainbow Nation ​

Dictatorship and Democracy

• Post-Colonial non-democratic rule
• Politicization of popular music for election campaigns
• Protest music under dictatorship
• ​Griots, Jali's, ​Wagogo, and Mlimani Park Orchestra
  

Violent Conflict & Genocide

• Civil War in Africa
• The role of radio and music in propelling mass violence
• Music in conflict transformation 
• Inanga, Simon Bikindi, and music before, during and after the Rwandan Genocide
  

Globalization

• Intersection of religion, terrorism, and music 
• Representations of Africa in Western music
• Making music where it is banned: Somalia and Mali
• Breaking the apartheid boycott: Paul Simon's controversial "Graceland"