An Analysis of ‘problematic Contents’ Expressed in Gengetone Songs in Kenya

Abstract

Miranda (2012) argues that listening to music has always played an important role in learning, expression, and communication. The youth use music to address specific developmental themes important to them such as love, sex, loyalty, independence, friendship, and authority. Thus, negative and destructive themes in music can be inappropriate for personal identity development. This study sought to analyze problematic content expressed in gengetone music. It also illustrated and explained themes in gengetone music. This research intended to provide a window through which the following objectives will be interrogated: investigate the problematic contents prominent in selected gengetone songs; the signs and symbols employed in selected gengetone videos, and the thematic concerns mostly portrayed in the selected gengetone songs. A descriptive research design was used and a qualitative method of data collection was adopted. Data was gathered from five selected gengetone songs and videos defined by their popularity as per Loud Team’s list of top twenty-one gengetone songs in 2021. The study was grounded on Ferdinand De Saussure’s semiotics theory and Katz and Blumer’s Uses and Gratification Theory. Finally, data analysis utilized both the content analysis and semiotics analysis methods. First, eleven problematic contents were identified which include disrespect, dishonesty, uncontrollability, materialism, bullying, sexism, ungratefulness, self-centeredness, self-destruction, and overindulgence in something. Secondly, eight major themes were also identified; nudity, glorification of sex, marijuana, and alcohol, partying, sexual objectification of women and girls, stereotypical representation, violence, misogyny, and unrequited love. Finally, images appearing in the video clips have been attached and illustrated to explain the intended meaning of the lyrics. The study recommends that, there is need to regulate gengetone music and play it during watershed hours.