ECU Libraries Catalog

Representing African music : postcolonial notes, queries, positions / Kofi Agawu.

Author/creator Agawu, V. Kofi (Victor Kofi)
Format Book and Print
Publication InfoNew York : Routledge, 2003.
Descriptionxxii, 266 pages : music ; 24 cm
Subject(s)
Contents Colonialism's impact -- The archive -- The invention of "African rhythm" -- Polymeter, additive rhythm, and other enduring myths -- African music as text -- Popular music defended against its devotees -- Contesting difference -- How not to analyze African music -- The ethics of representation.
Abstract The aim of this book is to stimulate debate by offering a critique of discourse about African music. Who writes about African music, how, and why? What assumptions and prejudices influence the presentation of ethnographic data? Even the term "African music" suggests there is an agreed-upon meaning, but African music signifies differently to different people. This book also poses the question then, "What is African music?" Agawu offers a new and provocative look at the history of African music scholarship that will resonate with students of ethnomusicology and post-colonial studies. He offers an alternative "Afro-centric" means of understanding African music, and in doing so, illuminates a different mode of creativity beyond the usual provenance of Western criticism. This book will undoubtedly inspire heated debate--and new thinking--among musicologists, cultural theorists, and post-colonial thinkers.
Local noteLittle-353115--305131032332Q
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 241-259) and index.
LCCN 2002153450
ISBN0415943892 (alk. paper)
ISBN0415943906 (paperbound : alk. paper)

Available Items

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Music Stacks ML350 .A355 2003 ✔ Available Place Hold