The Archiving of Traditional Songs and Dances Among the Gogo Ethnic Group of Central Tanzania for African Indigenous Knowledge

Abstract

The study explored the archiving of traditional songs and dances among the Gogo ethnic group of central Tanzania for African indigenous knowledge. Across the globe and Tanzania in particular, the modes of transformations in traditional songs and dances among communities need to be embedded in understanding through holistic manner of the archival practice that allow for co-existence and recognition of multiple experiences between the past, present and future generations. The study employed descriptive survey research design in collection and compilation of audio–visual materials, in-depth oral interviews with local elders and local traditional group singers from selected five traditional cultural groups case studies of Kongwa District in Dodoma Region and Manyoni District in Singida Region in which a sample of sixty respondents was involved. Surveys were conducted in each site to specifically identify and contact the Gogo traditional practitioners, particularly singers and dancing groups for the purpose of recording and observing live performances. Both audio-visual documentation of musicians and dancers from identified groups as well as oral interviews from Gogo cultural bearers was done to reflect the study objectives. In addition, the researcher used archival data from Tanzania National Archives (TNA). The findings revealed that songs and dances such as Muheme, Nindo, Msunyunto, Chipande and Makumbigawadala among the Gogo community defined broadly their socio-cultural, religious, economic and technological conditions. Music and dances like Makumbigawadala reflected an initiation ritual (rite of passage among the Gogo girls). The Muheme music tradition, which is associated with girls’ initiation ceremonies and serves multiple social functions, including entertainment, education, and consolation. The findings further highlight that traditional songs and dances enhances community moral values and dignity. They facilitate cultural continuity and promote social inclusion. However, emerging intra-cultural diversity and transformations related to community set-up, environment, and general global culture influence bound to specific age group-particularly the younger generation who seems to lose interest on traditional music and dances underscores the need for archiving and preservation. The study calls broader community development strategies, emphasizing policy support and sustainable funding for long-term impact. By bridging the archiving of traditional knowledge, particularly in music and dance, this work contributes meaningfully to the broader discourse on cultural heritage preservation and participatory community development.