Performance of benga oral poetry and the fight against hiv and aids in homabay and rangwe sub-counties in homabay county

Abstract

Many studies have been carried out on the performance of oral pieces and their rich memorable styles popular with audiences in Western Kenya, their effectiveness as tools in the fight against HIV and AIDS has remained largely under-investigated. This is the area that the present study has dwelt on. This study examines the relationship between the artist, the performance and the audience. The study also analyzes the impact on the audience with regards to HIV/AIDs. The objectives of this study are to examine how the performance of Benga oral poetry affects the fight against HIV and AIDS, analyze how context shapes language use and presentation in the performance of Benga and lastly, examine the impact that Benga performance has on the audience in Homabay and Rangwe Sub-Counties of Homabay County, Kenya. This study adopts the reader- response theory which enables us to collect and interpret data through interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The study has also used the Social Learning theory which aided the analysis of the effects of the performances on the audience. In this way, the two theories complemented each other. The study utilizes the descriptive research design which has made it possible to gain an understanding of underlying reasons and motivations behind the audience’s response and reactions. The sample includes two night clubs in Rangwe and three in Homabay Sub Counties in which Benga is performed. This study makes use of qualitative data. Primary data is obtained through interviews, observation and Focus Group Discussions. The Qualitative data from key informant interviews and observation notes are analyzed using content/thematic analysis. The study makes inter-textual comparisons between the different interviews and compares the considered elements to relevant literature. The analyzed data has then been presented in prose form. The study has found out that Benga oral poetry performances have an enormous potential in communicating messages on HIV and AIDS. The study has also found out that context informs language use and meaning that the audience draws from Benga oral performances. The study further finds out that Benga oral poetry performances are most effective in reaching a large number of youths with HIV prevention messages, stimulating social action for particular issues, stimulating public discussion and debate and changing the youths’ thinking around HIV testing. This it is realized, can help model positive attitudes and behavior through characters that the audiences can bond with.