The Challenges of Online Music Access and Music Consumption Patterns of Older Adults in South Africa

The digitalisation of music and its non-rivalrous nature have changed the music industry enormously, phasing out the tangible nature of music. The permeation of internet technology not only changes the music business but also the way music is consumed. Alongside these developments, there are challenges with access to the internet in parts of Africa, especially with older adults. This then prompts critical questions: How do older adults listen to music? Where and how do they access music? How does the new digitalised music affect their music consumption? And what are the implications of all these for the social capital and social lifestyles of older South African adults? There is almost non-existent examination of the music consumption pattern of older adults in a semi-urban area in South Africa. Drawing from a theoretical backdrop of digital divide and inequalities, and the role of music in human development, this study examines the music consumption of older adults around Mankweng, a semi- urban location in Limpopo, South Africa. Through a survey of 100 older adults (50–70 years old), this study reflects that many older adults do not access digital music as a result of socio-economic conditions and challenges of technology access. The social-cultural impact of this has repercussions on the cultural well-being of this important group in society.