An exploration of the Aesthetic value of songs performed in Imbalu initiation ceremonies

Abstract

The study is conducted among the Bagisu of Elgon region. They are said to be descendants of Mwambu and Sella. The study was conducted in 2021.It basically concentrates on the various Imbalu songs sung by boys, their relatives and entourage during circumcision ceremony and festivities. It looks at the relevance of these songs, the message embedded in them which carries forward the circumcision practice. The study is unfortunately carried out at a time when social gatherings are banned due to the famous COVID19 pandemic that has spread throughout the whole world. However, many more findings and photographic evidence could be obtained during this research especially during Imbalu season every even year. The study is mainly carried out remotely due to the consequences of the COVID19 pandemic which affected the whole world especially between 2019- 2021.Gatherings were banned and modes of transportation were highly retricted and at some point movement of people from one district to another were banned. This greatly limits research which requires people to be on ground. This research concentrates mainly in seven Imbalu songs and their meanings to the candidate and society. Most of them are of olden times though new songs are composed every now and then. I was lucky to interact with a traditional Imbalu songs singer who doubles as Muslim and Gishu whose religion and culture demand for circumcision rites .These songs carry themes like courage, unity, discipline and culture.