Ensuring legacy

Beyond fame and rewards, the group seeks to preserve and promote their ancestral heritage, the balafon. “For these young people, playing this instrument is not only a passion, but also their life purpose,” says Souleymane.

According to him, it is important to preserve the cultural heritage of their ancestors. “Don’t we say that culture is what remains when a person has lost everything else?” he asked. That is why he calls on young Chinese people not to abandon their culture. He believes that people must accept the culture of others, while preserving their own.

“Culture is what makes us who we are. Chinese culture, of course, is different from the Ivorian, French, or American culture. But this difference can be an asset if we work together,” he said. “Young Chinese may of course seek to discover other cultures, but they should always strive to assimilate the cultural heritage that their grandparents have left them. This is very important. And it is with this goal in mind that we work. I call on young Chinese people not to turn their back on Chinese culture.”

The 38-year-old band director encourages the Chinese Government to strengthen its cultural promotion policy, so as to raise young people’s interest in Chinese culture. “In 2015, for example, we witnessed a performance of Chinese acrobats in Côte d’ivoire. It was extraordinary. The audience really enjoyed it. We need this kind of initiative to continue in the future. This will encourage Chinese youth to hold on to their culture,” he told Chinafrica. To preserve Ivorian culture, his band has also organized courses for all young people who are interested in learning how to play the balafon in Côte d’ivoire, to ensure that future generations can enjoy this unique instrument and its culture.

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