Discovering and Discussing Power Relations
I encouraged the interpreters to consider a broader, more fluid notion of power and to discuss all topics that they found worth pursuing. However, where necessary I gently prompted respondents to draw on their lived experiences as well. Our discussion topics ranged from the historical functions of the court song repertoire and the songs’ associated performance contexts to the repertoire’s applicability in various twenty-first-century political situations. Research collaborators theorized about the different and sometimes competing power relations that mark their lives. Their responses also touched on wide-ranging aspects of political life, including government policy, civic responsibility, and cultural shifts. In this way, the songs they were interpreting provided them with tools to critically examine power dynamics as they appeared in the world around them. The songs also enabled them to communicate their personal views about power while relating the lyrics to modern political life. Interview sessions were a time for exploration, reflection, and joint study as we sought to understand how the themes and messages of the songs apply to both the micro- and macropolitical levels. Although each song offered its own unique set of themes that prompted specific topics of discussion, fresh themes arose during our conversations and listening sessions. I incorporated many of these themes into the organization of the book.
It is important to note that many of the participants’ interpretations of court songs feature biased views, including allegations, controversies, and accusations. For example, many participants suggest that Uganda’s political scene is dominated by men, yet the government has more women in cabinet posts than many other African countries. Others evaluate political leaders and their policies on the basis of personal preferences and political positions. Where possible, I supplement the presented evidence with additional sources in order to promote a richer dialogue about power relations. Although it is essential to analyze my interlocutors’ views critically, I believe my primary responsibility as a researcher is to accurately represent those views. Therefore, rather than attempt to confirm the validity of their perspectives on political life in Uganda, my analysis focuses on what those viewpoints reveal about power relations.