Representation of women in male-produced “urban grooves” music in Zimbabwe

Abstract

ABSTRACT That music is a potent communication tool with a vast potential to cement or unsettle social relationships is now widely acknowledged. The subtleness and pervasiveness of musical messages, however, results in the power of music being taken for granted. This article examines the representation of women in male produced “urban grooves” music in Zimbabwe. The article uses content and discourse analysis to ascertain whether such representation empowers or disempowers men and women. The article also examines the possible impacts of such representation of women on consumers of such music. It is argued here that the lyrical content of male-produced “urban grooves” music celebrates negative stereotypes of women, violence against women, commodification of women, and other negative representations which undermine the empowerment of women in society.