Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire’s Forking Paths

Abstract

apartheid, Radio Soundings also makes a strong contribution to radio theory by locating her historical analysis within the political and cultural aspects of ‘sonic agency’. Because sound is unseen, argues Gunner, ‘its architectural and shaping qualities in the experiences of everyday life can be elusive’ (3), and the narratives presented by radio serials created the possibility for African agency. The focus on topics like love, courtship and family life, Gunner argues, were staple items in the construction of the modern, creating a discourse of the modern in relation to social life, and presenting alternate versions of community and selfhood. With the growth of Web 2.0, Radio Soundings is a stark reminder of the power of the ‘old’ medium of radio. In this instance, the power of radio during apartheid’s formalized segregation, promoted and sustained the diverse sounds of Black modernity. In particular, Radio Zulu’s jazz and music programs kept currency with global popular music and styles, helping to create modern subjects. Gunner’s work points toward the need for further exploration of the role of radio on the continent, particularly in a more contemporary political context and alongside the growth of online platforms. Radio Zulu still exists today as Ukhozi FM, one of the SABC’s African language stations, which boasts the highest listenership in the country. As Gunner writes, although unseen, sound attunes an individual to the texture of a modern city; from that can come an understanding of where a person fits into a community. Scholars have considered radio’s ongoing importance in selffashioning in postapartheid South Africa, focusing especially on English-language stations. Future research might explore how Ukhozi FM and other vernacular radio stations contribute to contemporary soundscapes of race, culture, and identity in modern day South Africa.