Auditory Receptions And The Psychosomatic Responses To Musical Melodies: Rethinking The Role Of Humour In Raymond Nyathi’s Songs

Abstract

Humour has been an integral aspect of human culture, facilitating social interaction and providing entertainment. While humour is commonly associated with stand-up comedy, it also permeates various forms of artistic expression, including songs. This paper aims to explore the intricate mechanisms of humour within the context of songs. By examining the different components of humour and their application in song lyrics, this paper delves into the ways in which humour is utilized to engage audiences and evoke emotional responses. The paper also seeks to unravel the multifaceted nature of humour in songs, shedding light on its cognitive, linguistic, and cultural underpinnings. Three songs analysed in this paper have been selected through purposive sampling from Raymond Nyathi’s album to highlight the humour in his musical lyrics. The paper establishes the theoretical foundation for the study by drawing upon existing humour theories. Concepts such as incongruity theory, superiority theory and relief theory are explored, providing a framework for understanding the mechanisms through which humour operates in songs. This article employed the qualitative approach and humour analysis to reflect on three purposely selected songs that represent homour in its varied forms. The article recommends, with heavy reliance on the sampled songs, the ways through which humour in songs can be a powerful and pervasive element that enriches the musical experience, at the same time serving as a source of entertainment, communication, and social commentary by employing various techniques such as wordplay, satire, storytelling, and musical surprises.