Durban — Vusi Ximba’s daughter earned herself a University of KwaZulu-Natal Master of Arts degree for her research analysing the storytelling tactics used by her father.
Nonjabulo Ximba, daughter of late musician Vusi Ximba, was ecstatic to graduate from UKZN with her Master of Arts degree which she wrote in isiZulu.
According to UKZN, in her dissertation, Nonjabulo analyses storytelling tactics used by her father in his music as a way of paying homage to him.
She believes that her father is one of the innovators of the art who demonstrated huge talent in music by employing a variety of techniques to present his work to the public.
“I did this research on him simply because no thorough research has been conducted on him despite his talent and popularity. His genre and style are indigenous. He rose from playing his music in taxi ranks and on the streets of several towns and when everyone thought his story would be one of those that ends without success, he rose from the ashes and carved a name for himself, recording several hits that I have used in my research analysis,” Nonjabulo said.
Her findings indicate that “while some listeners thought Vusi’s (Ximba) music is profane, musical experts have concluded that it is in fact very humorous and touches on subjects very few musicians dare to explore, including sex, prostitution, promiscuous men of the cloth, witchcraft, lies and dishonesty”.
The findings also show that while Ximba and his music did not receive the same acclaim as other artists, there is something to be learned from his body of work and notable talent.
Speaking about her support system, Nonjabulo said: “My mother Thembisile Nhlangulela took care of all the home chores and kids without complaining (while busy with my dissertation). In times where I did not get access to certain songs, she would go around and ask neighbours for songs on my behalf. Most of my dad’s songs are no longer available at music stores. Her excitement about the study made me realise that I need to keep on pushing no matter the challenges.”
Nonjabulo advised other researchers “to build a support system and also make use of them. There is a high level of independent research that one has to undertake just in order to grasp the concepts being taught. Planning is the key”.
Nonjabulo plans to pursue her PhD in the future and publish her research.
Ximba, who sang and played the concertina and accordion, died in February 2011 at his home in Swayimane near Pietermaritzburg.
Ximba rose to fame with his hit Wathini’Umame and also became a platinum-selling artist who was known for his “straight-talk” lyrics.
He received several honours, including a “living legend” award by the eThekwini municipality in September 2010.
Daily News