AMECEA: Synodality Music Composers in AMECEA Region Share Milestone
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) region has begun to see the fruits of the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality, as composers from Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia share their achievements following training workshops focused on creating songs that reflect the people of God’s understanding of synodality in the region.
At a virtual meeting on Tuesday, February 10, the organizers from the AMECCEA Secretariat aimed to review the progress made by music composers from the pilot conferences.
In his welcome address to a dozen participants, AMECEA Secretary General Fr. Anthony Makunde emphasized that music composers play an essential role in the implementation phase of Synod on Synodality, saying, “Music does not expire, and in most situations, it resonates in the minds and lives of all people irrespective of their level of education.”
Sharing their progress, Mr. Andrew Tambala from Malawi reported that composers have already recorded three songs in audio format. They plan to promote the songs on Malawian radio stations before producing music videos and officially launching them. Additionally, a Malawian priest in Rome has produced a song.
From Tanzania, Mr. Bernard Mukasa said composers have recorded about four songs, with more still in development. They are now working on converting the music into video format.
The completed songs focus on ‘the spirit of synodality’, while those still in progress emphasize “Listening and dialogue, and the synodal form of the Church,” Mr. Mukasa explained.
Zambian composers have been the most productive, having already released 10 songs on Tuesday, January 27, which are currently being played on radio stations in Zambia and beyond.
“The songs are designed to ensure that the synodal conversation is well understood; to invite the people of God to convert to the Risen Lord; to invite everyone to participate in the mission of Christ and the Church; and to promote unity and peace in our country,” explained Fr. Cletus Mwiila, the Synod contact person for Monze Diocese and initiator of the synodality songs project, in an interview with AMECEA Online after the Zambian launch.
Fr. Mwiila added that “the implementation of synodality through music aims to inform, form, and transform both at the individual and community levels.”
Despite the progress, composers from all three countries reported that financial constraints remain a significant challenge, slowing the composition process.
Composers from Kenya attended the session for the first time to learn from their colleagues’ experiences and intend to compose synodality songs soon.
