Music as a form of political communication in Uganda : a case of Tuliyambala Engule

Abstract

The use of music to sway political support has become a common phenomenon. This research analyzed the use of Tuliyambala Engule [we shall wear the victor’s crown] song to investigate why the musicians’ choice of music to communicate political messages and the messages contained in the song. Using Stuart Hall’s (1973) encoding and decoding theory, the study assessed the audience’s understanding of the song, and the intended meaning by the musician. Methodologically, the study used textual analysis of the song lyrics, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The research found that the meanings of the song are not isolated from the factors that influence its production, prevailing circumstances, and social dialects. The study further found that while majority of the respondents directly interpreted the political messages in the song as the musician desired, other respondents debated it, and identified unique political themes.