Prof Mellitus Nyongesa Wanyama, PhD.
@kabarak.ac.ke
Department of Music and Performing Arts - School of Music and Media.
KABARAK UNIVERSITY
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
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Michael Ndonye and Mellitus Wanyama
Springer Nature Switzerland
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.
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.
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.
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
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
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