Global setting
Although Faso Kan represents traditional music with a strong West African influence, the artists involved in the band all come from culturally diverse backgrounds. All the members used to work previously in transcultural ensembles. Issa explains that: “ to be able to play the balafon in the cabaret, you have to master the traditional repertoire of several ethnic groups.” Considering that there are over 60 ethnic groups in Burkina Faso (IWGIA 2017), a balafon player has to get acquainted with music from several cultures at the early stages of learning. The diversity undoubtedly shapes the attitudes towards foreign music. Issa also points out that: “the balafon players must have a very open-minded attitude to be able to learn and perform the traditional repertoire. Most certainly, this background gives the balafon players good transferable skills when working in transcultural ensembles. In the case of Faso Kan, I believe the whole project could not have happened without the open-minded, respectful attitude that is characteristic of cabaret musicians. NEXT PAGE
