Panel: CHRISTIAN HYMNS AS HISTORICAL SOURCE. AFRICAN LITURGICAL MUSIC AND THEIR THEOLOGICAL CONTENT.



259.3 - EXPLORING THE PRESERVATION OF KIHAYA CATHOLIC CHURCH HYMNS IN TANZANIA

AUTHORS:
Mjuni V.W. (University of Dar es Salaam ~ Dar es Salaam ~ Tanzania, United Republic of)
Text:
African Christian hymns, an essential part of liturgical practice in many African Christian communities, serve as both expressions of worship and as vital historical documents. These hymns not only reflect the religious devotion of the people but also encapsulate the theological journey of African Christianity a fusion of indigenous spirituality and Christianity. The preservation of these hymns in church hymnals plays a crucial role in safeguarding the theological understanding of African Christianity, ensuring that future generations can access, study, and continue to engage with the evolving theological traditions within African church communities. This paper seeks to explore the Bahaya's liturgical hymns have been preserved throughout history, and transmit theological knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between traditional spirituality and Christian teachings. It recommends for more empirical study on their availability and new method of how to make them accessible.