By Cathay Yenana – Media Specialist /Broadcaster/Business Owner
We live in an era defined by rapid globalization and technological advancement, and the preservation of cultural heritage, particularly through music, has become a vital discourse surrounding identity in modernity. Music serves as both a reflection of cultural identity and a means of connection across generations. So, as we delve into the complexities of modern life, it is essential to recognize how music acts as a bridge between our past, present, and future.
The relationship between music and cultural heritage is profound. As renowned ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax asserted, “The music of a people is the most intimate expression of their identity.” This idea speaks to the heart of why music preservation matters: it safeguards the narratives that shape our identities and communities. Traditional music often encapsulates the stories, struggles, and triumphs of a people, making it an invaluable repository of collective memory.
However, the forces of globalization pose significant challenges to the survival of these musical traditions. The pervasive influence of mainstream media often threatens to overshadow local sounds, leading to a homogenization of culture. As cultural critic George Lipsitz succinctly put it, “The challenge of cultural preservation is to assert the value of local culture in the face of global homogenization.” This rallying cry urges us to celebrate and revitalize the unique musical forms that define our identities, ensuring they endure in an interconnected world.
Technology has emerged as both a challenge and an ally in the quest for music preservation. Digital platforms and social media enable artists to share their music and stories with a global audience, often breathing new life into traditional sounds. Look at the Malian band, Tinariwen has successfully blended its cultural heritage with contemporary influences, creating a sound that resonates across borders. Their music not only preserves the Tuareg identity but also sheds light on their struggles, illustrating how modernity can harmoniously coexist with tradition.
Yet, with the rise of digital sharing comes the risk of cultural appropriation and the dilution of authenticity. As Nigerian-German musician Nneka poignantly notes, “Culture is meant to be shared, but it must be done with respect.” This perspective emphasizes the need for sensitivity when engaging with cultural heritage. While cross-cultural collaborations can enrich the musical landscape, they must be approached with integrity to avoid commodifying or misrepresenting traditional forms.
Cultural festivals and events play a vital role in fostering music preservation. They create spaces for traditional artists to showcase their work, encouraging intergenerational dialogue and community engagement. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, for instance, brings together diverse communities to celebrate their cultural expressions through music. As festival curator John Cohen once remarked, “The power of music lies in its ability to connect people across time and space, weaving a tapestry of shared experience.” Such gatherings remind us of the importance of community in preserving musical heritage.
I spoke with the award-winning Jazz Legend Theresa Golden from LA, who shared her point of view on the intersections of Culture, Music and Preservation
Cathay Yenana:
Can you share your personal journey and what initially drew you to the field of music preservation and cultural heritage?
Theresa Golden:
I always say my music journey started in the most sacred of spaces—the church. That’s where I first learned to use my voice as an instrument of love, healing, and truth. I was raised in a deeply musical family, and at just five years old, I began singing in our gospel group. Those early years planted something in me that’s never left. Later, I joined my brothers’ R&B band, The Dynamic Pamps, and we toured throughout Wisconsin, lighting up venues with our sound. That’s when I realized that music wasn’t just something we did—it was who we were. It was culture. It was history. It was a legacy. And I’ve been committed ever since to preserving that spirit, that soul, and passing it on.
As an artist whose passion is rooted in activism—and as an activist—I am a vehicle for creative intelligence, realizing that universal truths come through me. The artist in me has a strong need to communicate my own experiences as well as others, and the activist wants to be a voice for the “voiceless.” Music allows me to embody both, giving breath to stories that might otherwise go unheard.
Cathay Yenana:
In your opinion, how does music serve as a vessel for cultural identity, and why is it vital to preserve these musical traditions in today’s globalized world?
Theresa Golden:
Music IS culture. It’s how our ancestors prayed, praised, and protested. It carries the stories of our people. In a world that’s moving faster than ever and becoming more homogenized, holding on to those songs—those sacred sounds—is how we stay grounded. Our music keeps us connected to who we are and where we’ve been. Without it, we lose a piece of our soul.
Cathay Yenana:
What are some of the most significant challenges you see facing traditional music today, particularly in the context of globalization and digital media?
Theresa Golden:
One of the biggest challenges is dilution. In this digital age, there’s so much content, but not always a lot of depth. Traditional music can get lost in the noise. Sometimes, it gets copied and commercialized without reverence. What’s sacred can become a trend. That’s why we need more artists who understand the roots of the music they perform—because when you sing from a place of knowing, the audience can feel it in their bones.
Cathay Yenana:
How do you believe technology can both help and hinder the preservation of cultural music? Are there specific examples you can share where technology has made a positive impact?
Theresa Golden:
Technology is powerful. It can archive our stories and carry our sound across oceans. Thanks to digital platforms, I’ve been able to share my album Journey to Love (Self Love) with audiences I may never meet in person. It’s allowed me to blend healing with music in a global way. But on the flip side, technology can disconnect people from the essence of music. Real music, the kind that heals, isn’t just heard—it’s felt. So we must use technology as a tool, not a replacement for heart and heritage.
Cathay Yenana:
With the blending of musical genres and cross-cultural collaborations becoming more common, how can artists and audiences engage with cultural heritage respectfully and authentically?
Theresa Golden:
You start with respect. Before you borrow from a tradition, sit with it. Learn about its history. Talk to the people who live it. I’ve always said, “Music doesn’t have a genre—it’s just music,” but that doesn’t mean it’s without roots. When I sing gospel, R&B, or jazz, I’m singing from a well of experience, culture, and love. Audiences can support authenticity by seeking out artists who honor the traditions they’re drawing from—not just mimic them.
Cathay Yenana:
What role do community festivals and events play in the preservation of music, and how can they foster a deeper connection between generations?
Theresa Golden:
Festivals are where tradition breathes. They create space for elders and youth to share the same rhythm, the same stage, the same moment. I’ve seen young people light up watching a drum circle or hearing a gospel choir live for the first time. It’s powerful. Those experiences anchor us—they say, “You belong. You come from somewhere.” And that’s a beautiful thing.
Cathay Yenana:
Looking ahead, what strategies or initiatives do you think are essential for ensuring that traditional music continues to thrive in modern society?
Theresa Golden:
We need mentorship programs, cultural education in schools, and spaces where traditional music isn’t just preserved but celebrated. I also believe in intergenerational collaboration—bringing seasoned voices together with fresh ones. That’s how we keep the music evolving without losing its essence. And let’s fund these initiatives. Art is not just enrichment—it’s essential.
Cathay Yenana:
What message would you like to convey to younger generations about the importance of preserving their cultural heritage through music in these ever-changing times?
Theresa Golden:
To the young ones: your ancestors are singing through you. Don’t ever forget that. Your voice carries more than melody—it carries memory, spirit, and power. In these changing times, let music be your anchor. Let it be your healer. And above all, let it be your truth. Because when you sing from your soul, you keep our story alive.
I believe that the preservation of cultural heritage through music is a collective endeavor that requires the participation of artists, communities, and cultural institutions. As we navigate the complexities of modernity, we must remain vigilant in safeguarding our cultural narratives, ensuring they continue to shape our identities. In the words of the legendary Fela Kuti, “Music is the weapon of the future.” It is through this powerful medium that we can challenge the forces of globalization, celebrate our diversity, and reaffirm our identities. By valuing and preserving our musical heritage, we honor our past while enriching our present and future, creating a legacy that resonates for generations to come. -@NewsSA_Online