Dr. Kutala Ngoma has made history by becoming the first person to earn a Doctor of Music degree from the University of Fort Hare, one of South Africa’s most storied academic institutions. The achievement represents not only a personal triumph but also a major breakthrough in the academic recognition of African music and indigenous knowledge systems.

The University of Fort Hare, known for nurturing liberation leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Govan Mbeki, now adds Dr. Ngoma’s accomplishment to its legacy of academic excellence and cultural advancement. Her research centered on the integration of African traditional music practices into formal music education, challenging Eurocentric norms that have long dominated music departments in African universities.

“This doctorate is not just mine — it belongs to every African musician, storyteller, and cultural custodian who has kept our music alive,” said Dr. Ngoma in her acceptance speech. “African soundscapes deserve equal respect and rigorous study within academia.”

Her thesis, which explored the epistemology of rhythm, song, and ritual in Southern African cultures, demonstrates how traditional instruments, oral traditions, and community performances form the foundation of a uniquely African theory of music.

Scholars and cultural activists across Africa have celebrated the achievement as a milestone for decolonizing the curriculum and promoting African-centred pedagogy in higher education.

“Dr. Ngoma’s work is a testament to what it means to reclaim the African voice in academia,” said Professor Mpho Motshekga, an expert in indigenous knowledge systems. “She is paving the way for a generation of scholars who see African music not as folklore, but as philosophy.”

The University of Fort Hare has announced plans to expand its music department by introducing new programs focused on ethnomusicology, performance, and research into indigenous instruments such as the mbira, djembe, and uhadi.

This landmark achievement aligns with a broader continental shift toward African intellectual sovereignty — where indigenous knowledge, spirituality, and creativity are given academic legitimacy alongside Western frameworks.

As Dr. Ngoma’s work continues to inspire, her doctorate stands as a symbol of cultural affirmation and intellectual emancipation, reaffirming Fort Hare’s role as a hub for African thought and transformation.