The torches’ songbook: representations of Honduran discontent in its protest music

Abstract

The 2009 coup d’état in Honduras marked the beginning of a period of ongoing social instability that persists to this day. Significant events have contributed to the current situation of the country: the presidential elections in 2013, the illegal reelection of Juan Hernández, the drug-trafficking-trial of “Tony” Hernández (the president’s brother) in the United States; and the recent extradition of the former president Juan Hernández. In this context, music becomes a weapon through which the people can protest and express their concerns, while also representing and creating a collective identity. This study focuses on the representations of this widespread discontent, which, over the years, has become more transparent and popularized through Honduran music. To achieve this, this article draws on the theories of Popular Culture, Popular Music, and Sociocritical Art.