A HISTORICAL STUDY OF OROMO MUSIC BANDS IN EAST HARARGHE (1961-1992)

Abstract

Cultural history of the Oromo nation did not get the proper scholarly attention. It is commonly distorted or biased and from all cultural themes, music is much neglected. This thesis deals with a historical study of Oromo music bands in East Hararghe. It attempts to address the experience and activities of Afran Qallo Association in eastern Hararghe; how it metamorphosed to establish the Afran Qallo cultural troupes (1961-1992). In doing so, it tries to give us glimpse the general picture that interplay internal and external factors responsible for the establishment of these cultural troupes in East Hararghe. This thesis demonstrate the process of cultural troupes grow to musical band and the evolution of music band in East Hararghe to ward various social purposes. Oromo’s use music to remember the histories, bolster a sense of community among Oromo nation and fuel nationalism. Therefore, this thesis disclose how music functions as a system for the preservation and negotiation of a uniquely Oromo identity, as well as a vehicle for resistance against the hegemony long ago established by ruling class. In due course, the role of music bands related to cultural revolution, political development through national conscious and awaking that enhanced the growth of nationalism were reveals in this research. Oromo culture, musicians continue to be caged, intimidated, and disappeared to hamper the growth of Oromo nationalism. The challenge confronted by cultural group was boldly faced by the members to sustain Oromo identity that enabled to develop nationalism as well as the role of legendary musicians especially singers and poets also be addressed. The overall cultural experiences were highlighted, which made an effort to connect the features of Afran Qallo genealogy and settlement pattern with the origin of Oromo, socio-political and socio-cultural organization. To attain its objectives, this study employs a historical research method that is qualitative in nature. Data for this study are collected through primary and secondary sources. All data gathered through interview from the founders of music bands and secondary sources were carefully arranged and crosschecked; then analyzed, interpreted and narrated thematically and chronologically to construct the history of Oromo music bands in east Hararghe in the second half of the 20th century.