Matadalogy : Navigating Tradition and Contemporaneity in Nthoko'do

Abstract

“Do not remove the ancient landmark that your ancestors set up” (NRSV, Proverbs 22.28).

The relationship between the past and present is a fundamental aspect of human cultures, particularly in understanding how each informs the other. From an artistic perspective, this connection is especially evident in the realm of traditional music and its influence on contemporary musical contexts. This relationship is explored in the concept of Matadalogy, a methodological and creative framework for negotiating the intersection between tradition and contemporaneity in the practice of Nthoko’do, a traditional African musical art form practiced by the Ndau people in central and western Mozambique. This study initially investigates the performance practices, cultural significance, and social roles of Nthoko’do, emphasizing its continued relevance within the Ndau community. This research was guided by two primary objectives: first, to examine Matadalogy as a methodological framework for adapting and reinterpreting elements of Nthoko’do within contemporary musical contexts while preserving cultural integrity; and second, to reflect on how this approach has shaped my own compositional practice and artistic identity.

Through a combination of artistic research, theoretical analysis, fieldwork, ethnography, and autoethnography, the study addresses the processes involved in integrating traditional music practices into modern musical frameworks. To demonstrate the practical application of this process, three case studies were developed. The first focused on translating Nthoko’do’s foundational musical elements into contemporary instrumentation. The second investigated rhythmic locking with particular attention to the relationship between bass and drums, and the synchronization of Nthoko’do’s primary rhythmic figures alongside interlocking patterns across the ensemble. The third explored rhythm patterns inspired by unconventional sources such as Mozambican storytelling traditions, children’s games, and popular music through the lens of intertextuality.

These case studies illustrated how Matadalogy functions as a creative tool for balancing tradition and innovation, by offering a unique Ndau perspective on the relationship between traditional and contemporary artistic practices. The outcomes of this research include the development of the Matadalogy framework, a redefined artistic identity, and original artistic works such as new musical works, a live recital performance, and a written component which serve as tangible demonstrations of the intersection between cultural heritage and modern artistic expression.