| dc.description.abstract | In this study I set out to examine the performance of the popular song in Kikamba by investigating through fieldwork research the elements of performance that the selected artists; Bosco Mulwa and Kennedy Wambua incorporate in their live performances. In addition, the present study examines the thematic issues that the performers address in their songs that are performed within different contexts.
The researcher also examines the language inherent in these songs. I look at the unique style that the performers use so as to address various issues within their society. This study also examines the elements of traditional Kamba performance that the selected performers appropriate and incorporate within their performances. The study employs three approaches in its theoretical frame. This is necessary in order to meet the set objectives. Semiotics is used in order to interrogate how the performers use language and signs as a way of communicating with their audience during performance. Performance Theory on the other hand is used in analyzing the various performances staged by the selected artists. Ethno-poetics guided me in the transcription of the poems as well as helping in the analysis of the same.
The researcher came up with the following findings; different thematic issues are embodied within the performance of the two selected artists like love, marriage, relationships, controversy as well as culture. We also found out that the performance contexts determine the performance choices that a particular artist adopts in his performance. These performance choices are the kind of songs that the artist performs in a particular context and the improvisation techniques he employs depending on the audience present. That each of the artists performs in each performance. | en_US |
