Inculcating Fatherhood and Maleness in Shaping Male Role Models in 21st Century African Homes through Select Zimbabwean Popular Songs

Richard Muranda, Simbarashe N. Msasanuri, Mavonei Chenai Mabika and Nomsa Tina Watyoka

Published: 2026/03/01

Abstract

This study investigates the role of music in shaping fatherhood and maleness in 21st-century African homes. Music from selected prominent Zimbabwean artists is used as case studies to unpack the power of song lyrics in moulding fathers as role models for children, especially boys, during the digital age, where technology appears to have usurped the role of inculcating values in children. In Africa, the dawn of the 21st century has been characterised by increased feminist movements and intensified child-rights advocacy, which have eroded traditional systems that helped fathers assert their authority within the home. This has been associated with increased drug abuse, crime, suicide, and violence among boys. With the outlawing of corporal punishment and the enactment of other measures to protect children’s rights in Zimbabwe, fatherhood and the role of men in shaping their children have been compromised. Against this backdrop, and drawing on hegemonic masculinity theory, this paper examines how Zimbabwean music can help reorient fathers and men within the home. The study analyses the lyrics of “Baba Rairai Vana” by John Chibadura, “Musoro Wemba” by Nicholas Zakaria, “Hazvirevi Rudo Handina” by Oliver Mtukudzi, and “Mweya Ndisesekedze” by Mambo Dhuterere to explore how these songs represent, communicate, enact, stimulate, and visualise the roles of men and fatherhood in contemporary homes. The paper employs a qualitative research paradigm, particularly critical content analysis, to examine music’s influence in shaping fatherhood and maleness in 21st-century African homes.

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