Beta Foly: Experiments with tradition and technology in West Africa

In 1994, together with several West African traditional musicians and Germa n electronics expert Kurt Dahlke, the author founded the music ensemble Bet a Foly, based in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The group explores creative musica l possibilities generated through the bringing together of different cultur es and traditions, placing a strong emphasis on the use of both ancient Afr ican instruments and the most recent music technology. The members of Beta Foly compose and improvise eclectic, polymetric music, trying to combine st yles in innovative ways in order to find new avenues for composition, ensem ble interplay and cross-cultural understanding.