Towards a Utilitarian African Musicology

Abstract

This article argues for the restructuring of African musicology based on utilitarian principles, prioritising the material well-being of indigenous practitioners. Moving beyond ethnomusicological frameworks and decolonial theory, it explores how current academic approaches perpetuate practitioners' impoverishment while cultural wealth remains unconverted to economic prosperity. The argument proceeds by examining African musicology's utilitarian potential to generate economic value, the emancipatory promise of transforming practitioners from informants to empowered authorities, and the need for new frameworks to understand contemporary African musical innovation. Drawing on existing scholarship, this article demonstrates system failures by analysing research from Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa while identifying transformation possibilities. Examining traditional economic models, digital platform challenges, and contemporary genres establishes a framework for African musicology serving African communities rather than external institutions. The goal is a practical transformation that enables cultural practitioners to achieve economic security and professional recognition comparable to other skilled professionals.