History and Culture of the Bukusu of Western Kenya: Reflections on the Community’s Rituals, Music and Dance, c. 1900-2015

This is the first book to discuss the history of music and dance among the Bukusu. It begins with an outline history of the Abaluyia before delving into the cultural changes that have occurred in Bukusu music and dance from AD 1900-2015. Birth, initiation, marriage and death rituals of Babukusu and the accompanying musical performances are discussed in detail. These mirror changes in the musical traditions of most Luyia sub-nations. The author comprehensively analyses the effects of globalization and the influence of Christianity, colonialism, acculturation and the post- colonial socio-economic, political and cultural dynamics on the musical activities and rituals of the society. Insights into innovations and media technologies which greatly impacted African music and dance traditions are given. This book will be of great interest to historians, anthropologists, ethnomusicologists and cultural enthusiasts.