SONIC DIMENSION OF PAN AFRICANISM: MUSIC, IDENTITY, AND ACTIVISM IN BURKINA FASO

Abstract

Music plays a pivotal role in shaping Pan African identity, fostering unity, and driving activism in Burkina Faso. This study examines how Burkinabé musicians contribute to the dissemination of Pan African ideals, exploring their infl uence on resistance movements and collective identity formation. While Pan Africanism has been widely studied as a political and ideological framework, its sonic dimensions remain underexplored, particularly in West Africa . Utilizing ethnographic and historical methodologies, this research underscores the role of music as a conduit for identity, activism, and resistance. The study integrates interviews conducted via social media with musicians, activists, and scholars, alongside archival analysis of mu sic, lyrics, and historical narratives. Data collection includes remote audience surveys and audio visual recordings of performances, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of music’s socio political impact. Findings reveal that music in Burkina Faso is not merely an artistic expression but a powerful tool for mobilizing communities and articulating political resistance. Musicians act as cultural agents who reinforce narratives of unity and liberation, connecting Burkina Faso’s struggles to broader Pan African movements. By situating Burkinabé music within Pan African discourse, this study advances understanding of sound as a medium of political resistance and identity construction. The research underscores the transformative power of music in shaping collective consciousness, opening new pathways for exploring musical activism in African sociopolitical movements.