The Influence of Arab and Asian Traders On Harari Music and Cultural Identity
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Date
2021-09
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AdAddis Ababa University
Abstract
The objective of this study is investigating how and why the Harari peoples Music and cultural Identity is
different from the other parts of the Ethiopian people. This study has mainly focused on the forms and the
scale and why this scale or music, forms and cultural identities are different from the other parts of Ethiopia.
The study tried to compare music and cultural identity of Harar with other parts of Ethiopia. There are
various forms of music practices in Harar especially in „Jogul‟, among these forms such as,
‘Salley‟( ሳላይ ),„Miras ( ሚራስ ), Dersey‟( ዯርሲ ).The study employed Ethnographic and descriptive research
design. The research approach was qualitative approach. Sources of data were both primary and secondary
sources. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed in the research. Data collection
instruments were questionnaire, interview and document analysis. The relevant primary data were collected
through qualitative strategies such as interview, questionnaire and selected informants and from traditional
Musicians who perform music in Harar. The secondary data were including published and unpublished
articles, journals, books, videos and CD. Data analysis and interpretation is carried out by descriptive
statistics and text narration of the data obtained from various sources. The Finding of the study pointed out
that Harari music and culture is different from other parts of Ethiopia with its on styles which were
influenced by Arab and Asian which were appeared in the area as a trader, solider and visitors. In addition
the study identified on how the music is different and why this kind of scale is not found in other parts of
Ethiopia and Harari Song, which is, Feqer (“simply song”) divides it to two, „gay feqer‟ (modern song) and
„ada gay feqer‟ (cultural song”). Both Gay feqer and Ada gay feqer which shows the peculiarity of Harari
music. Based on this the researcher recommend that further study need to be conducted regarding the
importance of music, cultural identity and acculturation.
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Keywords
Cultural Identity, Traditional Music, Arab music, Asian music, Acculturation