Music Therapy Canning and the Healing Rituals of Catholic Charismatics in Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya we export a variety of agricultural products such as tea and coffee. However, at the same time, some other tea and coffee is imported to Kenya. The difference is that the imported tea is canned. It is presented with names such as 'instant' tea/coffee, and is (in this case) preferred even by Kenyans. Unfortunately, it is not to be afforded by a Kenyan of average income. In this essay I use canning to mean modified to acquire a new outlook, and in the case of tea and coffee, to also literally put into cans. Culture canning means social modification or change that causes suitability and/or acceptability of the modified/changed idea in a changed/changing environment. Canning thus implies reconstruction, reconstitution, reproduction and preservation with positive and negative readings.