An analysis of Alick Macheso’s Music in Promoting Mediation and Conflict Resolution

Abstract

Music has long been a powerful medium for social commentary, advocacy, and conflict resolution. In Zimbabwe, Alick Macheso’s music has emerged as a critical platform for addressing issues of peace, harmony, and interpersonal conflict. Through a qualitative approach, the paper explores how Macheso’s three purposively selected songs, Tererai, Kutadzirana, and Chikuru kurarama are useful as tools for communication, offering messages that encourage mediation, self-reflection, reconciliation and positive societal values. Drawing on critical discourse analysis and thematic interpretation, the study highlights how Macheso’s select lyrical content integrates traditional values, cultural metaphors, and everyday experiences to convey messages that resonate with his audience. Through using a contextualised appeal to his lyrics within Zimbabwe’s socio-political landscape, the paper examines the broader implications of his chosen songs to promote peace and resolve conflicts in communities. Findings suggest that Macheso’s music plays a significant role in fostering dialogue, challenging harmful behaviours, value to life, and inspiring collective response toward peaceful coexistence.