Thematic compositions for social communication: analysis of set pieces for the Uganda National Post Primary music competitions

Abstract

In this study, the researcher investigates how the themes embedded in the set pieces for National Post Primary music competitions are used as a medium of communication to disseminate various national issues. The Uganda National Post Primary Music Competition is an annual national event that brings together secondary schools to perform various music, dance and drama items. These include songs, poems, traditional dances, folk songs, among others. Since 2004, the competitions were based on a particular theme given by the government of Uganda through the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES). The themes are aimed at educating and sensitizing the public on various national issues ranging from HIV/AIDS, sanitation, alcohol and drug abuse, violence to patriotism. This study was motivated by the fact that although scholars have conducted research on music competitions, there is still inadequate research on how themes embedded in set pieces for post primary music competitions communicate national issues in Uganda yet, undertaking this kind of study reveals details on how set piece compositions have been used as a multi-dimensional communicational channel through which political, economic and social messages have been passed on to the people to address various national concerns. As such, the main objective of the study was to analyse the National Post Primary set piece compositions in order to establish the different themes onto which these compositions have been based, the various messages that have been communicated and finally identify markers in the public domain that signify the impact of such messages in the community. This study necessitated the use of a qualitative research methodology, which involved using tools such interviews, participant observation and library research. This study revealed that between 2004-2013, the Government of Uganda, through its Ministry of Education and Sports, used National Post primary set piece compositions to educate and sensitize the public on various issues such as education, health, financial management nationalism among others. This study established that there are markers that exist in the public domain that signify the effectiveness of such communications. Such markers include recognizing the role of education, improved health awareness, improved awareness on sanitation and hygiene, improved awareness on financial management, Ugandans perceiving themselves as East African citizens to mention but a few. Schools have adopted the system of communicating to its students various messages through the use of posters.