Indigenous music fosters cultural preservation, innovation, and social change while promoting multicultural education in South African universities
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24019286 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sakhiseni Joseph Yende (0000-0002-7649-2799, University of South Africa, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-15 |
| Publication date | 2026-08-03 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Diaspora Indigenous and Minority Education (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1559-5692 • E-ISSN: 1559-5706 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/15595692.2026.2710981 |
| OpenAlex | W7172330806 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 21 |
This study explores the role of indigenous music in advancing cultural preservation, pedagogical innovation, and social change in South African universities through a systematic thematic review of peer-reviewed literature. It argues that integrating indigenous music into higher education curricula strengthens cultural identity, epistemic justice, and student engagement. Guided by Cultural Historical Activity Theory and Critical Pedagogy, the study frames indigenous music as a legitimate knowledge system within curriculum transformation debates. The findings demonstrate that indigenous music supports curriculum decolonization, intercultural dialogue, and socially responsive teaching practices. Rather than reporting empirical participants, the review synthesizes thematic patterns across studies addressing policy, pedagogy, and institutional culture. Key challenges include limited resources, inadequate staff training, and resistance to epistemic change. Despite these constraints, indigenous music emerges as a catalyst for inclusivity and critical citizenship. The article concludes by recommending institutional policy alignment, staff capacity development, and curricular support in higher education.
Curriculum · Curriculum development · Indigenous · Indigenous Education · Multiculturalism · Music education · Social change · Thematic analysis · Traditional knowledge · Diverse Music Education Insights · Diverse Musicological Studies · Educational Theory and Curriculum Studies
Indigenous Knowledge and Curriculum in Africa
Decolonizing the Teaching and Learning of Indigenous Nguni Music Instruments in Higher Institutions of Learning in South Africa
Ideology and Curriculum
Representing African Music
Category of Development as the Basis of Psychologicaland Pedagogical Research in Education
Challenges Experienced by South African Indigenous Musicians
Interconnected impact
A Cultural-Historical Activity Theory Approach for the Design of a Qualitative Methodology in Science Educational Research
Cultural-Historical Activity Theory
| Highly cited | No |
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