Authors : Pheliwe Yvonne Mbatyoti

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 8 - August

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2vwrxtue

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4rc55zhz

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26aug154

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This paper investigates how women reinterpret male-sung traditional songs within African oral traditions, focusing on the cultural, linguistic, and gendered dimensions of performance.The aimistoexamine howfemale perspectives reshape songs originally embedded with male-centred metaphors of authority, warfare, and social roles. Using a qualitative methodology that combines ethnographic case studies, interviews, and textual analysis of lyrics, the study exploresthe transformationsin meaning that occur whenwomenengage withthese repertoires. The findings revealthatwomen’s renditions oftenshiftsymbolic language from themes of command and dominance to narratives of resilience, nurturing, and community empowerment. This reinterpretation highlights women’sdual role aspreservers of cultural heritage andagents ofinnovation, negotiating patriarchal codeswhile asserting their own voices. Audience reception demonstrates both resistance and acceptance, reflecting the dynamic negotiation of tradition and change. The conclusions indicate that this study contributes to the literature by situating women’s reinterpretations as a critical lens for understanding gendered language, oral traditions, and cultural identity in African societies. It underscores the importance of female agency in sustaining and reshaping oral traditions, offering new insightsinto the interplay between gender and performance. Recommendations include expanding comparative research across diverse African communities, integrating women’s perspectives into cultural preservation initiatives, and encouraging interdisciplinary approaches that link ethnomusicology, gender studies, andanthropology.

Keywords : Gendered Voices, Oral Traditions, Reinterpretation, African Songs, Cultural Performance, Women’s Perspectives.

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