Kay Kaufman Shelemay

Kay Kaufman Shelemay is a distinguished ethnomusicologist and professor at Harvard University, specializing in the music of Africa, the Middle East, and the urban United States. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and has been a prominent figure in the field of ethnomusicology, contributing significantly through her research, teaching, and publications. Shelemay has a keen interest in the musical traditions of Ethiopian Jews, which has been a major focus of her scholarly work. Her research extends beyond music to encompass cultural memory and diaspora studies, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to ethnomusicology. Shelemay has authored several books and numerous articles that explore these themes, making substantial contributions to our understanding of music's role in society. She is known for her innovative approaches to the study of music as a social practice and has received numerous awards for her academic achievements. Her work often emphasizes the importance of oral traditions and the role of music in maintaining cultural identity among displaced and diasporic communities.

Books

Music, Ritual, and Falasha History (Ethiopian Series, Monograph No 17)