Towards Improving the Wellbeing of PWDs in Tanzania: Unveiling Ableism in Identified Songs’ Lyrics

Abstract

Despite recent improvements through disability rights and inclusion policies, the well-being of persons/people with disabilities (PWDs) in Tanzania remains a pressing concern. PWDs continue to contend with labelling, segregation, discrimination, and even violence. At the same time, extant literature has explored ableism. ¹ This study focuses on identifying and disclosing ableist lyrical content in Tanzanian songs, a noted gap in the literature. Using the Social Model of Disability within Critical Disability Theory (CDT), the study reveals subtle ableist messages embedded in identified songs, which further the marginalisation and exclusion of PWDs. Findings suggest that religious, cultural, and historical factors influence the composition of these messages. Surprisingly, listeners often enjoy these songs without recognising the ableism they espouse; as such, the songs dominate the airwaves and resonate across the country without restriction. The study calls for heightened societal awareness of both overt and covert ableism in music and broader cultural contexts to improve the welfare of PWDs and society.