Performing the Pandemic: Musical Arts Communication in Crises and Disaster Management, Zimbabwe

Throughout history, humankind has, on a regular basis, experienced a wide variety of epidemics, disasters and pestilences. Music has performed a continuous critical role during these tragic episodes. Musical arts practices are a powerful form of communication, due to their ability to captivate the audience, enhance memory, incorporate the emotions, and educate people. In the domain of communication, music is regarded as a universal artistic phenomenon that works as a remedy for achieving better communication in all situations of life. Musical arts are a unique method of communication; hence the question arises: how does music communicate and what does it disseminate? Thus, this chapter examines how the musical arts can be engaged as a form of communication during crises for effective disaster management. The study adopted a descriptive approach as a methodology and data was collected through both face-to-face and online interviews. The analysis of data was achieved through employing ‘thick descriptions’. Subsequently, the results of the study reveal that music is a powerful tool of communication during a disaster as it provides ways in which individuals can share intentions and crucial messages. Music facilitates human interaction for those with communication challenges, making the dissemination of information easier and all-encompassing. Music also has the capacity to overcome physical and cognitive barriers to comprehension. Finally, musical arts can also embody meanings that enable effective management of social uncertainties.