Representation of music: theories about music
Chibale Zambia: worldview of the healers
The central issue in the world view of the healers and leaders of the possession cult groups, is the exchange relation that exists between the mpanga (nature, the spirit world) and the mushi (culture, the human world).
Knowledge of this reciprocal relation is of great importance to the understanding of many aspects of Chibale music and ritual.
Representation of music in Zambia: a theory about music
Good music does sensenta, a characteristic, recursive form, also found in the flight of the honeyguide. Music doing sensenta produces and reproduces an effective contact between mpanga and village. Many structures in music are related to the sensenta form.
Representation of music in Zambia: prominence of three
The number three is very prominent in (older) Chibale music. Most ensembles consist of three instruments or the instrument’s tones are conceived as belonging to the three groups. These three tone groups have to be present, in a certain order, for music to be good (effective).