ABSTRACT
Stories, proverbs and metaphors are mediate layered meanings of intangible constructs. Knowledge is a systemic abstract construct ‘formed by interlinking a spectrum of intellectual components’ composed of information, data, theories and hypotheses. By juxtaposing predominant knowledge systems in South Africa through the use of fact, theory, metaphors and stories, I argue for a conceptual cultural multiplicity that would guide musical arts education in South Africa and Pan Africa. The history of maize farming in Africa and South Africa, and the ‘split-personality’ of maize form the metaphoric thread that runs through this chapter. I end the chapter with a creative activity that could at first glance be seen as a practical classroom-based example of how to merge knowledge systems. A second glance would reveal the deeper intention of concluding the philosophical argument with an illustration of the tripartite multilateral nature of musical creativity rooted in a merging of knowledge systems.
