Song and the Production of Anywaa Ethnicity in Gambella, Ethiopia

Abstract:Ethnicity is highly politicized in Ethiopia, where Gambella region, on Ethiopia's southwestern border, has suffered from prolonged cycles of retaliatory ethnic violence. Among the Anywaa ethnic group in Gambella, song plays a role in producing ethnic consciousness, particularly since it is a medium for teaching and advising. Anywaa singers construct and valorize an Anywaa ethnic identity in their lyrics, and listeners value these songs for teaching them about their culture and gaining advice on how to act. Simultaneously, the variability in listeners' interpretation of songs highlights the ambiguous, processual nature of ethnicity. In the light of such sentiments, scholars should attend closely to the roles of expressive culture in ethnic movements and conflicts.