Lwandle Dlamini
About Me
Sanibonani, welcome to my academic blog! My name is Lwandle, I am born in South Africa but raised and lovingly bred from Eswatini. Double majoring in International Relations and Sociology & Anthropology. I’m passionate about the emancipatory power of art, decolonial theory, and Black feminist thought. Whether I’m writing, designing, or collaborating, my work is rooted in reimagining possibilities, challenging oppressive systems, and amplifying underrepresented voices.
Thesis
This thesis explores the Amapiano movement as a vibrant expression of Africanness that challenges Western-dominated media narratives and cultural representations that acts as an implicit form of cultural decolonization. Originating from South Africa, Amapiano is a dynamic musical genre that serves as a vehicle for Africans to articulate their identities within a postcolonial context.
The study investigates various cultural elements associated with Amapiano, including music production and distribution, dance, fashion, and public engagement, emphasizing how personal and communal expressions of identity function as acts of decolonization.
Adopting a decolonized approach, this research aims to be decolonial in both content and methodology, culminating in a written component, visual component, and interactive presentation. It seeks to explore the theoretical assertions of Amapiano in decolonial efforts while critiquing decolonial knowledge as not merely theoretical but also practical behaviour.
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Ultimately, the aim is to write a final paper and share the process and outcomes of the research in a symposium that actively involves dancers, DJs, and the audience, fostering an engaging space for dialogue and experience in cultural decolonization.
Get in Touch
I'd love to connect with you! Whether you have a question, feedback, or opinion, feel free to reach out. Let’s talk, in the comments or in private! Embark on this intellectual journey withe me!
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Disclaimer: Engagement with my content through comments is an agreement to participate in an aspect of my research for my senior thesis on Amapiano for my undergraduate degree at Lake Forest College
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