Page 28 - Research & Innovation Report 2020

HUMANITIES

instruments that existed in the past. She is, however, trying to In July 2022, Prof De Villiers will present the findings of her research
weave something around what she has discovered. at the 35th ISME World Conference in Brisbane, Australia.

“I find it so interesting because there are so many facets. There are On the organisation’s website, ISME president, Professor Achieng’
musical instruments that one can recreate and there are people Akuno, writes, “The conference theme, A Visible Voice, is a
who look at the description of an instrument and actually make it timely reminder of music’s role in strengthening our aspirations
using the kind of material and methods that people would have and meeting our need for identity, affirmation and validation as
used in the past. I have somebody making such instruments.” individuals and communities. These fundamental needs unite our
humanity and urge us to respect our differences. The conference
She says, for example, that she has had two different types of theme encourages opportunities for dialogue and international
musical bow made for her, one with a resonator and the other collaborations and excursions into worlds that we know not,
without one. She also has Springbok horns and leg rattles. through music education scholarship and practice.”

“I am using those as part of the research. To sing the music or Echoing this, Prof de Villiers says: “The people I have interviewed
perform the music in a group, one has to try and use traditional for my research feel that they are getting a voice, they are being
instruments to get the sound as it might have been,” she says. validated and they appreciate the efforts to actually be recognised”.

“The indigenising project is looking

at how music from the culture of all

the South African people can be

incorporated into the curriculum.”

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