Blending music and drugs: The depiction of substances and substance use in Kamba Benga music since 2000
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Abstract
Studies have underscored the power of music to influence people’s attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions. Certain genres of music convey cultural norms regarding substance use and drinking behavior. Nevertheless, some types of music appear to glorify substance use. This paper interrogated the depiction of substances and substance use in selected Benga music videos released by Kamba musicians. We argue that most Kamba Benga music videos contain explicit references to substances of one kind or another. We contend that enhancement motivations, usually related to heightened levels of substance use, appear more in the selected Benga music videos. We maintain that the majority of the videos analyzed associate substance use with positive qualities such as increased sexual pleasure and high social status. We further ascertain that a significant number of videos do not attempt to connect substance use to any form of consequences. Since, according to Gerbner’s Cultivation Theory, messages from television or videos influence people who watch them frequently, we conclude that Benga music videos produced by leading Kamba musicians expose viewers considerably to substance use, and therefore shape their opinions about it.
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