Music plays a significant role in North African societies as a form of cultural expression and political mobilization. In Central African Republic (CAR), music has historically been used to convey messages about social, economic, and political conditions. The research employs participant observation and semi-structured interviews with local musicians, activists, and community leaders to gain insights into the uses and meanings attributed to music during political transitions. Ethnographic methods were used to capture the lived experiences of participants in their natural settings. Music was found to be a powerful tool for both celebratory events and protest movements, with specific songs often associated with particular political figures or ideologies. For instance, one genre of music became closely linked with a specific rebel movement during its rise and fall over several years. The study reveals the intricate relationship between music and politics in CAR, highlighting how music can serve as an effective vehicle for conveying messages about governance and social change. Policy makers should consider incorporating musical interventions into their strategies to enhance communication with citizens during times of political transition. Additionally, educational programmes could be developed to promote understanding of the cultural significance of music in political contexts. Music, Political Expression, Transitions, Central African Republic
Freddy Bokoué (Sun,) studied this question.