Paper short abstract:

The paper therefore examines the performance of the traditional circumcision ritual in western Kenya and Kenyan hip hop, to evaluate how shifting spaces and cultural dynamics have affected masculinity.

Paper long abstract:

Gender Construction and Diminishing Masculinity

Masculinity in the African Traditional Society is constructed through circumcision ritual which provides a stage for a transition from childhood to adulthood. This ceremony, in addition to traditional narratives, defines what and how masculinity is constructed. It equally provides space in which those going through the ritual of becoming 'men,' to demonstrate their masculinity. This paper examines how, with diminishing spread and influence of traditional circumcision ritual and rural urban migration, there is resultant diminishing masculinity and emerging search and assertion of the same through new medium. It will explore how in the absence of spaces to display and demonstrate masculinity, the urban hip hop genre is a new platform for performing masculinity. The paper therefore relies on the performance of the traditional circumcision ritual in western Kenya and Kenyan hip hop, to evaluate how shifting spaces and cultural dynamics have affected masculinity.