Through case studies, audio and visual example and practical performance tasks, students gain a broad understanding of the musics of this region, through both traditional genres and more recent fusions with Western styles.
Students gain a bird's-eye view of the music of this region, and understand the importance of using contextualized artforms to engage in missional work.
Much of West and Central Africa is part of the '10-40 Window', where there is the greatest need for missional work. Understanding how its music can be used effectively is one of the keys to reaching these peoples.
Acts chapter 1 states: "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Outreach to West and Central Africa is therefore not optional; it is part of the mandate given by Christ to believers.
This course provides the necessary missional tools for evangelism and discipleship in and African context.
Understanding African musical contexts is part of knowing the culture. Once the student understands the target culture, they are able to contextualize their mission.
By its very nature, this course is intercultural, and seeks to build bridges with the cultures of West and Central Africa.
Through research, musical performance and case studies, students are equipped with the tools they need to carry out practical missional work in Africa.
The performance experiences, the many audio and video examples, and the knowledge gained from personal ethnographic research will all transform students to be more missional in their approach.
