The Utility of Music
Chapter 5 of Tia deNora’s work parallels quite fortuitously with the topics were are covering in the 6th grade general music classes at John Witherspoon Middle School, where I am completing my Secondary Praxis course. In the classes, we are discussing questions like ‘What can music do for me,’ eventually leading to ‘What can music do for the world.’ The article speaks of music’s utility in social situations, like ‘setting the mood’ for romance, and why certain music was inappropriate for some situations, but was excellent for others. Slow, soft music was better for romantic encounters, while faster, more vibrant music is better for dancing and parties. On a personal level, music affects emotions; if you are sad, music can make you feel better. On a social level, music can set the mood for social encounters. On a global level, music can raise awareness, and bring people together. Everyone in my Praxis group is presenting on a facet of music activism. One person is teaching about protest songs, another is presenting on ‘Music for Change,’ where an attempt is made to connect many different people through music. My subject is raising awareness through music. In particular, I am discussing the band ‘Massukos.’ Massukos is based in Mozambique, a place in Africa where access to clean water and proper sanitation is rare. The lead singer of Massukos contracted Polio when he was young because of unclean water. Their music is often referred to as ‘Musical Sunshine.’ To us, the lyrics border on the juvenile, concerning things like washing hands and building proper latrines, but to the citizens of Mozambique, the information is new, and the message of the enjoyable music stays with them. Most people love the music. They love dancing and singing along to it. Since the band formed, the quality of life has improved greatly in Mozambique, specifically in Niassa. Niassa is a small province of Mozambique, and was generally considered one of the worst places to live. The infant mortality rate is reportedly the highest, while the life expectancy is the lowest. They have little access to clean water, and the land is ill-suited for agriculture. One of the songs, ‘Bumping’ pleads with mothers and instructs them on how to build more efficient latrines. Another song, ‘Pangira’ speaks of the sorrow faced by children who have been abandoned by their parents. A third song, named for the province of Niassa, is about how the leader of Massukos is proud to be from Niassa because of its beauty, and because it is his home.
