The individual and the group in the Songs of Arsi Oromo men

Abstract

In the patriarchal, patrilineal and clan-based society of the Arsi Oromo, men have a dominant role and cohesion between members of the same clan which is essential. When men sing faaruu loonii (cattle praising songs) in choirs, they share their common pastoral values and create and reinforce group identity through the performance of the songs. Although this group's esthetic is vital for the Arsi, an individual can also have his role in music and society. If a heroic soloist (qondala) is present, he can sing his solos in alternation with the faaruu loonii. In these performances, which include a fascinating array of dynamics between the group and the individual, there is often a fine balance between concord and conflict, which also exists in the broader Arsi society.