Oral poetry and development ideology in South Africa's Eastern Cape. Issue 2 (4th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McGiffin, Emily
• Is Part Of: Third world thematics. Volume 2:Issue 2/3(2017)
• Page Start: 279
• Page End: 295
• Publication Date: 2017-05-04
• Subjects: Oral literature -- South Africa -- traditional healer -- development -- imbongi -- igqirha; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: 10.1080/23802014.2017.1402666
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-9978

Abstract

Abstract: In rural and peri-urban areas of South Africa's Eastern Cape, iimbongi, or praise poets, are artists with a gift for both language and healing who play an important and varied role in contemporary society. Although the tradition is diverse and changing, the imbongi's literary practice is widely understood to have spiritual and ritual functions, much like the practices of traditional healers. Iimbongi have much to offer South Africa's decolonisation process, helping to heal communities struggling through the aftermath of historical violence by actively affirming indigenous agency, language and identity.