Subverting and challenging patriarchy through popular music in Botswana

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59677/njllcs.v18i1.112

Keywords:

patriarchy, motherhood, marriage, childbearing, popular music

Abstract

Songs are an integral part of almost if not all societies around the world. The primary function of songs is entertainment; however, they perform other functions as well such as to provide an understanding of the daily lives of the people, to express personal views and opinions, to transmit societal and cultural norms and beliefs, to subvert and question the status quo and so forth. This paper analyses a song entitled Magosi (Tlhatswa Lesire) thematically to find out what issues are being communicated. The argument of this paper is that the artist uses this verbal art form to critique and ridicule the Setswana societal and cultural expectations. It concludes that songs are a medium through which Batswana women can challenge and subvert the inequality and patriarchal ideology prevalent in their societies.

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Author Biographies

  • Rosaleen Oabona Brankie Nhlekisana, University of Botswana

    Prof R. O. B. Nhlekisana’s main research interests are in folklore, including but not limited to traditional and popular songs, proverbs, and oral narratives. Her other research interests are in gender studies, cultural studies, performance studies, popular culture, translation and interpretation.

  • Dinah Kereeditse Itumeleng, University of Botswana

    Ms D. K. Itumeleng’s area of specialisation and interest is literary theories and analysis and comparative literature. Her research interests also include gender studies, feminist studies, women’s studies, analysis of novels, short stories, poetry etc.

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Published

10-10-2025

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2024): Namibian Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Communication Studies

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Rosaleen Oabona Brankie Nhlekisana, Dinah Kereeditse Itumeleng

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How to Cite

Subverting and challenging patriarchy through popular music in Botswana. (2025). Namibian Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Communication Studies, 18(1), 27-35. https://doi.org/10.59677/njllcs.v18i1.112