The power of technique and device in african narratives: a case study of kikuyu community in Kenya, narrative performances with special reference to Wanjira Wa Rukenya: A renown artist

This paper interrogates the stylistic devices of oral narrative in an African set up with a case study of Wanjira WA Rukenya who is a renowned narrator from Kirinyaga County in the republic of Kenya. The thrust of the work will focus on two levels. Firstly the study introduces the influence that created Wanjira„ the artist‟. Secondly the investigation will narrow down on the devices and techniques of performance employed by this artist which makes her work outstanding as well as outlining its relevance to the oral literature. Among the stylistic devices discussed in this paper are; dramatization, fantasy, idiophones, songs and repetition as well as narrator‟s intrusions. These devices are discussed with special reference to narrative performance of Wanjira Rukenya the artist.