The Functional Role of Traditional Music and Dance in Xhosa Traditional Healers’ Ceremonial Rites

Abstract

African societies have always used traditional music and dance to celebrate events, interface, and connect with divinity, especially during communal ceremonies. The central thesis of this paper is that traditional music and dance are transforming agents used by Xhosa traditional healers during ceremonies to gain insights into the nature of a society’s experiences and to connect with supernatural beings. This study, therefore, investigates the functional role of traditional music and dance used during Xhosa traditional healer’s ceremonies, employing direct observation, video recordings, and interviews, as well as a descriptive qualitative research design. The findings revealed that traditional music and dance provide a safe environment for divinity practices and healing. Furthermore, traditional music and dance bring traditional healers closer to their ancestors, increasing acceptance and self-discovery during ritual proceedings. Even though music and dance are vital parts of various aspects of Xhosa cultural life, they have received limited scholarly attention. This paper, therefore, provides commentary on the functional role of traditional music and dance during Xhosa traditional healer’s ceremonies and offers reflections on the functionality of traditional music and dance in contemporary Xhosa culture. Keywords: Xhosa; traditional music and dance; traditional healers