Performing "Traditional" Music Responsibly

[DjSato]

Hi all,

I've been drumming with a group of enthusiastic drummers for a couple of years now. Most of us aren't professional musicians, but we perform (our interpretation) of West African music several times a year at miscellaneous music festivals and fundraisers. A concern of mine has always been the inevitable misrepresentation of the music we perform. We try to "keep it real", but is trying enough? I'd love to hear people's comments on this.

-DjSato

Edit: I found a related discussion:
http://djembefola.com/board/music-and-drumming/traditional-djembe-what-the-point-t1571.html

Appologies for the redundancy.

[Trog]

99% of the world wouldn't know if it is accurate or not. Me being part of that percentage.
I don't think I have seen any video on Utube that has a rhythm (song) played the same as another video.
IMO it would depend on the audience.

[music]

I typically always went by the rule - when others have told me I was ready to perform or teach something, then I could feel confident in that realm. When a teacher said - "why do you not have a group?" - I knew I was ready to perform, or when he asked me to show a part to someone else I knew I was ready to teach it.