Prof Mellitus Nyongesa Wanyama, PhD.

@kabarak.ac.ke

Department of Music and Performing Arts - School of Music and Media.
KABARAK UNIVERSITY



                 

https://researchid.co/mwanyama

Professor Mellitus Nyongesa Wanyama, is a holder of PhD in Ethnomusicology from University of Pretoria, South Africa. He is a Professor of Musicology and Ethnomusicology. He also holds BA and Master of Philosophy in Creative Arts and Linguistics from Moi University, Diploma in Music Education from Kisii College (Now Kisii University) and Certificate in Education (P1) from Mosoriot Teacher’s College.
On 12th December 2013, he was awarded Head of State Commendation (HSC) award, by H.E. The Fourth President of Kenya, Hon. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, at State House Nairobi, for exemplary service in Education, Research Culture and Musical Arts Education in Kenya, Africa and beyond.
Until his appointment as the Founding Dean, School of Music and Performing Arts at Kabarak University, he was the Head and founder of Music Studies at Moi University, Eldoret. He was also the Music Director at the same University.

EDUCATION

2004-2006: UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA (SOUTH AFRICA) - Doctor of Music (DMUS) [With Academic honorary colours] - Research Topic: Form and Content of African Music.
2002- 2003: MOI UNIVERSITY – Master of Philosophy: Linguistics and Literature. Research Topic: Aesthetics in African Music
1998-2001: MOI UNIVERSITY: Studied BA Languages and literary studies: Attained 2nd Class Honours (Upper Division)
1999-2000: MANCHESTER (England): Business Training Limited: Diploma in Business English with Distinction
1990-1992: KISII COLLEGE: Diploma in Music Education (First Class)
1987-1989: MOSORIOT TEACHERS’ COLLEGE: Certificate in Primary School Education with Distinction

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Music, General Arts and Humanities, Literature and Literary Theory, Visual Arts and Performing Arts

5

Scopus Publications

250

Scholar Citations

10

Scholar h-index

11

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Kenyan Media Industry: Digitize or Disappear!
    Michael Ndonye and Mellitus Wanyama
    Springer Nature Switzerland

  • Researching on kenyan traditional music and dance today: Methodology and ethical issues revisited
    Mellitus Nyongesa Wanyama
    Informa UK Limited
    Abstract Cultural dynamism and globalization have adversely affected the context, performance and structure of African music and dance. Therefore, research on African music and dance today calls for refocusing of methodology and related ethical issues in order to realise convincing and meaningful findings. This paper explores the role of research in the sustenance of core identity elements in African music and dance in light of its inevitable change and continuity. Specifically, the paper attempts to answer the following questions: a. What are the basic research concerns with regard to music and dance? b. For what purpose should we conduct research in African dance today? c. What is the general research plan regarding contemporary traditional African dance? d. Does the researcher in his/her own community have an advantage over the outsider? e. What are the basic ethical concerns to be considered when researching on African Music and Dance? Finally, the author highlights the commonly encountered pitfalls by researchers on African music and dance and suggests the way forward.

  • Confronting AIDS through Popular Music Cultures in Kenya: A Study of Princess Jully's "Dunia Mbaya," Jack Nyadundo's "Ukimwi," and Oduor Odhialo's "Nyakomollo"
    Mellitus N. Wanyama and Joseph B. Okong’o
    Oxford University PressNew York
    Abstract This chapter analyzes the song lyrics of three popular Kenyan songwriters: Princess Jully, Jack Nyadundo, and Oduor Odhialo. Extensive presentations of their song texts demonstrate the artists’ deep engagement with significant health care related issues in Kenya today. In particular, their use of local language terms and popular culture references evoke the threats and realities of HIV infection in East Africa. The songs discussed in this chapter are Jully’s “Dunia Mbaya,” Nyadundo’s “Ukimwi,” and Odhialo’s “Nyakomollo.” The chapter shows how contemporary popular music in Kenya has had to confront the subject of sexuality within the context of the dangers posed by HIV/AIDS. Far from encouraging promiscuity, as some discourses seem to suggest, popular musicians have been actively involved in spreading the message of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention through their music.

  • Dance as a means of cultural identity: A case of the bukusu kamabeka dance
    Mellitus Nyongesa Wanyama
    Informa UK Limited
    Abstract The Kamabeka dance, performed by the Bukusu people of western Kenya, is associated with the music played on the litungu. This article argues that while cognisance is taken of the inevitability of cultural dynamism and change in any human socio-cultural setting, it is the duty and expectation of music educators to contribute to the process of putting in place structural policies to document, archive, perpetuate and appreciate the beauty, and culture-specific roles of the diverse cultural identities expressed through indigenous Kenyan music and dance. Once cultural performing and creative arts are understood, appreciated, preserved and practised acceptably, they will accelerate the achievement of communal coexistence, and mutual national unity based on sound foundations of diverse cultural identities. Music education should be taken seriously at primary and secondary school levels. Traditional Kenyan music and dance will only become valuable cultural identity treasures if they are seriously studied, researched, theorised and practised.

  • Policy and implementation: A case of music copyright laws in Kenya
    Mellitus Nyongesa Wanyama
    Informa UK Limited
    Abstract In Kenya the copyright law is clearly stated in terms of its definition and penalties pertaining to its infringement in part or whole. However, due to the high rate of globalisation and electronic production Kenya is faced with the big challenge of enforcing the music copyright law, as expected. This article endeavours to bring to the fore the main challenges facing music copyright enforcement in Kenya and also makes suggestions concerning the way forward. It is the author's hope that the findings of this article will go a long way in addressing similar copyright issues afflicting the music industry in other parts of Africa in particular, and the world in general.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • An Analysis of Indigenisation Dynamics of Kenya Army Band Martial Music
    D Ekal, M Wanyama, J Mochere
    African Musicology Online 14 (1), 14-25 2025

  • Efficacy of cultural policy on appropriation of music and dance idioms: A case of Kamabeka music and dance of the Bukusu
    FW Kusienya, MN Wanyama, M Amateshe
    Journal of Music and Creative Arts (JMCA) 3 (1), 23-36 2024

  • Exploring the Boundaries of Digital Popular Music Education in Kenya
    VN Mwai, MN Wanyama
    Journal of Visual and Performing Arts 2 (1), 33-42 2024

  • The Challenges of Application of African Traditional Dance for Contemporary Educational Relevance
    W Shitandi, MN Wanyama
    PAN African Journal of Musical Arts Education 1 (1), 53-65 2024

  • Reimagining Arts Education and Practice in the Digital Space
    VN Mwai, MN Wanyama
    PAN African Journal of Musical Arts Education 2 (2), 10-20 2024

  • Composition of anthems: lessons from Kabarak University anthem creation and experience
    MN Wanyama, WO Shitandi
    African Musicology Online 12 (1), 27-46 2023

  • Kenyan Media Industry: Digitize or Disappear!
    M Ndonye, M Wanyama
    African Media Space and Globalization, 53-77 2023

  • Prevalence and factors that affect transition from paediatric to adult services among adolescents with sickle cell disease at a level IV health facility in Western Kenya.
    N Kariuki, MN Wanyama, EM Obimbo, P Laigong
    East African Medical Journal 99 (12) 2022

  • Disruptive innovation: Exploring the impact of Skiza tunes on the Kenyan music industry
    AK Kirui, MN Wanyama, WO Shitandi
    Journal of Music and Creative Arts 2022

  • The relevance of university music curricula to the requirements of church music job market in Kenya
    JM Mochere, MN Wanyama, FBJA Ngala
    Editon Consortium Journal of Curriculum and Educational Studies 2 (1), 250-274 2020

  • The relevance of university music curricula to the requirements of music production job market in Kenya
    JM Mochere, FBJA Ngala, MN Wanyama
    Editon Consortium Journal of Curriculum and Educational Studies 2 (1), 213-237 2020

  • A study on the educational perspective of popular music bands in Kenya: The case of Maseno University band
    FW Kusienya, KW Mindoti, MN Wanyama
    African Musicology Online 10 (1), 1-19 2020

  • Enhancing the development of practical musicianship among secondary schools in Bungoma County: An assessment of the students’ learning activities
    IW Shitubi, MN Wanyama, PL Barasa
    African Musicology Online 9 (2), 89-107 2019

  • Learners’ attitude towards practical musicianship in secondary schools in Bungoma County
    IW Shitubi, MN Wanyama, PL Barasa
    African Musicology Online 9 (2), 73-88 2019

  • Popular Music Education: Insights from Tabuley’s ‘Muzina’
    MN Wanyama
    KABARAK UNIVERSITY 2018

  • The Role of Kabarak University in the Development of the Music Industry in Kenya
    MM Mnjama, MN Wanyama
    KABARAK UNIVERSITY 2018

  • Psycho-Therapeutic Concerns in Performance Arts and Community Development in Africa
    PM Mwangi, M Wanyama
    Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation 5 (1), 129-134 2017

  • Challenges Of Composing Music For The Advertising Industry In Kenya
    M Wanyama, A Wafula
     2016

  • Challenges and innovations in Africanising music in the classroom: A Kenyan experience
    EP MONTE, MN WANYAMA, DW KIGURU
    Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation 4 (2), 93-101 2016

  • Ethnography and ethno-music of babukusutraditional male circumcision; messaging, symbolism and rationale
    M Wanyama, O Egesah
    Sociology and Anthropology 3 (1), 6-18 2015

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Understanding research: A simplified form
    DK Serem, JM Boit, MN Wanyama
    Nairobi: Utafiti Publishers 2013
    Citations: 49

  • Emerging solutions for musical arts education in Africa
    A Herbst
    African Minds 2005
    Citations: 36

  • Form and content of African music: A case study of Bukusu circumcision music
    MN Wanyama
    University of Pretoria 2007
    Citations: 26

  • Dealing with the prevailing attitudes and challenges for effective implementation of early childhood music and movement curriculum in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya
    C Sinyei, J Mwonga, MN Wanyama
    Research Journal in Organizational Psychology & Educational Studies, 1 (5 2012
    Citations: 14

  • Music education: an unexploited goldmine in Kenya
    MN Wanyama
    International Journal of Community Music 4, 10-20 2006
    Citations: 14

  • An assessment of the availability of resources to facilitate early childhood music and movement curriculum implementation in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya
    SCJ Mwonga, MN Wanyama
    Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies 3 (5 2012
    Citations: 13

  • The challenges of teaching physical education: Juxtaposing the experiences of physical education teachers in Kenya and Victoria
    MN Wanyama
    Degree of Masters’ of Education. The University of Melbourne 2011
    Citations: 12

  • The relevance of intangible cultural heritage in modern times: Evidence from Babukusu male circumcision
    OB Egesah, M Wanyama, V Muange
    Sociology and Anthropology 2 (7), 273-283 2014
    Citations: 11

  • Researching on Kenyan traditional music and dance today: Methodology and ethical issues revisited
    MN Wanyama
    Muziki 9 (2), 1-8 2012
    Citations: 11

  • Ethnography and ethno-music of babukusutraditional male circumcision; messaging, symbolism and rationale
    M Wanyama, O Egesah
    Sociology and Anthropology 3 (1), 6-18 2015
    Citations: 10

  • Entrenching quality assurance culture through graduate tracer studies in East Africa: lessons learnt, challenges and prospects from MUTRACE
    M Wahome, O Egesah, M Wanyama
    European Centre for Research Trainingand Development UK 2015
    Citations: 10

  • Dance as a means of cultural identity: A case of the Bukusu Kamabeka dance
    MN Wanyama
    Muziki 5 (2), 213-222 2008
    Citations: 9

  • Emergent issues regarding'African traditional dance'and'African contemporary dance': a discourse on the current theory and practice of'African dance'criticism and choreography
    MN Wanyama, IW Shitubi
    Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies 3 (4 2012
    Citations: 7

  • The philosophy of art reflected in African music: A comparative analysis of Western and African aesthetic perspectives
    MN Wanyama
    Centering on African practice in musical arts, 17-30 2006
    Citations: 7

  • Disruptive innovation: Exploring the impact of Skiza tunes on the Kenyan music industry
    AK Kirui, MN Wanyama, WO Shitandi
    Journal of Music and Creative Arts 2022
    Citations: 4

  • Policy and implementation: A case of music copyright laws in Kenya
    MN Wanyama
    Muziki 4 (1), 27-41 2007
    Citations: 4

  • Challenges and innovations in Africanising music in the classroom: A Kenyan experience
    EP MONTE, MN WANYAMA, DW KIGURU
    Kabarak Journal of Research & Innovation 4 (2), 93-101 2016
    Citations: 3

  • Collateral Strategies for Poverty Reduction in Kenya: Prospects and Challenges
    J Misaro, MN Wanyama, F Jonyo, J Birech, CN Kiboro
     2014
    Citations: 3

  • Interpreting and Appropriating Choral Music: Echoes of African Scholars
    MN Wanyama, WO Shitandi
    VDM Publishing 2011
    Citations: 3

  • The relevance of university music curricula to the requirements of music production job market in Kenya
    JM Mochere, FBJA Ngala, MN Wanyama
    Editon Consortium Journal of Curriculum and Educational Studies 2 (1), 213-237 2020
    Citations: 2

Publications

18. Sinyei, C. J. M. & Wanyama M. N. (2012). Dealing with the Prevailing Attitudes and Challenges for Effective Implementation of Early Childhood Music and Movement Curriculum in Eldoret Municipality, Kenya. Research Journal in Organizational Psychology and Educational Studies (RJOPES). ISSN: 2276-8475.
19. Wanyama, M. N. (2007) ‘Policy and Implementation: A Case of Music Copyright
Laws in In the Journal of Music Research in Africa – MUZIKI (formally known as Ars Nova) ISSN 1812-5980. pp. 27 – 47.
20. Wanyama M. N. (2006) ‘The Philosophy of art reflected in African Music: A comparative analysis of Western and African Aesthetic In Centering on African Practice in Musical Arts Education. Peer Reviewed Proceedings of 2005 PASMAE Conference at Maputo, Mozambique, 5-6 July, 2005. Stellenbosch: African Minds – Compress. Edited by Minette Mans. pp. 17 – 30. ISBN: 1-920051-49-X.
21. Wanyama M. N. (2006) ‘Music Education: An Unexploited Goldmine in In International Journal of Community Music. Proceedings of Music and Lifelong Learning Symposium of April 14-16, 2005: University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S.A. Edited by Chelcy Boules and Debbie Rohwer. ISSN: 1550-7327. Vol. 4.
22. Wanyama, M. N. (2005). ‘How not to criticize, Analyze and Appreciate African Music: A case of Bukusu In Refocusing Indigenous Music in Music Education. Proceedings of The East African Symposium on