Music on mission: Integrated perspectives on the shared song

Abstract

African Christian music is a culturally distinct and recognizable element of faith in Africa. This article argues that such music embodies interrelated movements, conceptual and physical. These movements are central to Christian mission that is responsible for Christian expansion in Africa. Little scholarly reflection on the relationship between music in mission in this era might suggest that music is peripheral to mission. Yet, music is an essential element in the practice of mission within and beyond regular worship encounters on the continent. This article contributes to discourse about Christian mission and its relevance in the unprecedented growth of Christianity in Africa in the late 20th century. A World Christianity approach here will apply the framework of translation to assess the missiological implications of movement in music. Case studies of popular Christian music from various parts of the continent will supply the data for this analysis. Drawing on the author’s experiences with music and mission on the continent the article provides insights on revitalization, conversion, and globality in African Christianity. In the analysis, music will be evaluated in its own merit as a critical component of the ongoing undertaking of mission. The article will demonstrate how music provides the context for multiple transformations through performance and belief. These insights contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding mission in Africa.