Music and the myth of universality: Sounding human rights and capabilities

Abstract

This article interrogates prevalent romanticized understandings of music's role in human rights, and suggests new theoretical and practical approaches that foreground questions of efficacy and impact. Music is often described as a 'universal language', a notion that suggests that music is both inherently progressive and able to transcend cultural differences. I argue instead for a more complex, constrained view of music and its role in human rights, with a greater emphasis on methods and practice. Based in part on my research and observations in West Africa, I describe and critique common uses of music in human rights and development projects, and outline suggestions for more focused and effective projects. I also suggest conceptualizing music within the capabilities framework, as set out by Sen and Nussbaum. In so doing, the aim of this article is to stimulate new discussion on how music can protect and promote human rights and human capabilities.