The Use of Luo Culture in Gospel Music(1990-2014):

Abstract

Gospel music has tremendously changed and evolved influenced by historical, socio-political, religious and economic circumstances, indigenous music as well as gender issues. This study sought to deal with how gospel music in the study of the history of Christianity has evolved in its interaction with the culture of the Luo community. This thesisanalyses the interaction of Luo gospel music and culture from 1990 up to 2014.Relevant literature ongospel music was reviewed. Song text analysis was done on some Luo gospel music. The document analysis and historicalapproach to study were the main instruments of data collection. Gender issues were discussed in relation to Luo gospel music particularly focusing on female gender opportunities.Socio-economic and politicalinfluences on Luo gospel music in Kenya from 1990 to 2014were the main focus.It was established that Luo gospel music has undergone a lot of changes and continuity in terms of socio-political and economic context of the community. The song text analyzed have evolved according to the setting of the gospel composers. It has also been found that the Luo female gospel artist have been able to create public space for themselves in their performances although they undergo public scrutiny than male counterparts.Despite the socio-political and economic difficulties that the community has faced, the gospel artists have come up to inspire and encourage people to live a hopeful life. This has made gospel music to effectively communicate social, spiritual and economic issues making Christianity relevant. Theresults provide implications onthe future success of Luo gospel music. Future artists should consider infusing cultural aspects in their composition to minister to their audience. Gospel music as an aspect of culture is dynamic, creating the need for more research on its change and continuity to keep track of social, political, religious and economic trends in the context of Luo societal milieu.