The use of metaphors in selected Buganda Kwanjula music.

Abstract

The study seeks to examine the use of metaphors in Buganda kwanjula music by the last Paul Kafeero and Irene Namatovu. The aim of the study is to reveal the concealed meanings in the metaphorical words found in their songs, the effect they pose on their audience and the perception created by the musicians. The study further seeks to address the following objectives; To identify and explain the metaphors used in the songs; To assess the effective use of hyperbole in developing meaning; To examine how metonymy is used to develop meaning in the songs of Paul Kafeero and Irene Namatovu. Data collection was achieved through purposive sampling where a sample of five songs were selected. These included two from Irene Namatovu, one from Paul Kafeero, one from Sam Gombya and one from Stella kayanga. These were chosen not only because they were rich in the conceptual metaphor of love but also because through them, the musicians portrayed their attitudes towards culture fully. The study further employed the conceptual metaphor theory by Lakoff and Johnson (1980) to analyze the songs selected. The study found that in order to have a meaningful construction process, vital relations play an instrumental role. It is through this that hyperbole and metonymy were chosen as the most pervasive vital instrument in the conceptual metaphor of love construction. The study also found out that some of the metaphors used in some songs by the musicians to communicate their intended message if not censored may be of a negative contribution to the society and influence many attitudes. It was also found out that many of the musicians not only use the love metaphors for entertainment but also used them to maintain their status quo.