Abstract:
This paper appraises the role of contemporary Kiswahili music, a form of
oral art, in promoting environmental awareness and advocacy. Using case studies
from Kenya and Tanzania, we analyse whether East African music infused with
suitable environmental practices can help mainstream environmental education,
arouse public interest towards nature, advocate for change in mind-sets, and call
for proactive action on environmental conservation, while still offering entertainment. Ethnomusicological Kiswahili songs encouraging connection to nature were
purposively chosen and acquired from YouTube. The lyrics of these songs were
transcribed, translated, and analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis and
Conceptual Metaphor Theories. By examining the context and meanings of these
songs, we demonstrate that contemporary environmental songs are art forms of
expression that advocate for increased environmental management by eliciting
discussions and encouraging active societal eco-friendly remedial actions toward
