Addressing the Socio-Cultural Drivers Of HIV/AIDS Through Indigenous Music : A Critical Discourse Analysis of Selected Songs by Maskandi Group, Izingane Zoma

Understanding the socio-cultural factors that promote risky sexual behaviour is critical to the prevention of new HIV infections. Forms of artistic expression, including music, help to expose the drivers of HIV/AIDS. Yet no studies have explored the latent role of Maskandi, a popular Zulu music genre in advancing the HIV prevention agenda. This study unpacks selected songs by Izingane Zoma, reflecting on the various socio-cultural drivers of HIV/AIDS. The study used a qualitative approach and a constructivist paradigm in its exploration of the phenomenon under investigation. Six purposively selected songs that focus on contemporary lifestyles and socio-cultural mores promoting risky sexual behaviour were analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis. The findings show that age-disparate relationships, sex as being psychological, masculine norms, intimate partner violence, multiple-concurrent partnerships, unsafe sex, and a high rate of partner change are the predominant socio-cultural drivers of this heterosexual epidemic. These are explicitly and implicitly tackled in the songs. Addressing these socio-cultural drivers is critical to the prevention agenda. HIV prevention efforts should consider the use of various artistic expressions. These can effectively nurture behavioural change and interrogate the socio-cultural mores that are considered to be retrogressive.