Zilizopendwa: The Ramifications for Development and Revival

This article presents the historic and current re-contextualization, appropriation and adaptation of zilizopendwa. Zilizopendwa (literally, "those which were loved') is a term used in Kenya to refer to early Kenyan popular music, synonymous with the term "golden oldies" as used in the United States. This music continues to play in clubs and is performed in most social functions, including weddings, music festivals and national celebrations. The music continues to attract cover versions, remixes, sampling, and has transformed into a choral genre with arrangements from almost every choral composer and arranger in Kenya. These choral arrangements have developed to become the most favored music performed by classes at various music festivals. Through various transformations, the music continues to find new (younger generation) and renewed (older generation) love for it, in the hearts of many Kenyans. The article undertakes a descriptive and analytical approach, with the purpose of exploring the historical background of this musical phenomenon, its current transformation, continued re-contextualization, appropriation and adaptation, and consequent revival ramifications. The article utilizes a conceptual framework and methodology drawn from Fabian's (1997) analytical model for popular music.