Abstract: This article seeks to explore the role of music in cultural diplomacy, by promoting socio-cultural cooperation. Cultural diplomacy is explained as a soft power tool that promotes the exchange of art, music, ideas, information and culture, as a way of creating a mutual understanding and to strengthen cooperation and friendship among communities and nations. Music has created a medium in which different communities can share these ideas and experiences increasing cultural understanding and tolerance. The cutting edge and the bridge building across the cultures and societies is what gives music the ability to boost on international relations.
Cultural diplomacy is a powerful strategy of impacting opinions of the global citizens especially in the era of the internet and social media. With globalization, geographical distance is not a hindrance for regions and communities to integrate, collaborate and interact. This study merges music and social domains with international relations and diplomacy. It argues that the promotion of music as a cultural diplomacy tool boosts cross-cultural communication and improves intercultural communication, by emphasizing on the role of music in enhancing socio-cultural cooperation.
This study is a guide in the advancements of music strategies in relation to Kenya’s cultural diplomacy. Findings useful for policy formulation and modification by governments and their foreign embassies, as well as the private and civil sector involved in music as a cultural diplomatic tool will benefit these actors in intercultural communication and international relations. The contribution to academic knowledge and research will overcome the knowledge gap on the role of music as a tool of cultural diplomacy, essentially, in promotion of socio-cultural cooperation. This study is also of value to academic researchers who could use this study as a foundation for future academic research.
Title: THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN KENYA
Author: Mary Mutisya, Angella Taonga Banda
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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