Evolutionary changes in thematic lyrics in songs with reference to the Akamba circumcision songs in Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated changes of themes in Kamba circumcision songs with the aim of finding out the causes of these changes. The research was conducted at Nzyiitu, Kalimbui, Kaluilaa, Ngalange, Mwangea and Nzanzeni. The study was conducted in this area because the Kamba people living here still hold onto the practice of circumcision rites despite socialeconomic shifts in the ever changing society. The research was guided by the theory of ethnography of communication whose proponent is Dell Hymes. This theory emanates and inclines on sociolinguistics approach. Ethnography of communication is concerned with people’s culture, situations, uses of language and its patterns and the functions of speaking. To arrive at the above stated aim, twenty-four Kamba circumcision songs sung in different epochs in history were used as a yardstick of evaluation.