ANDREW Tracey, retired director of the International Library of African Music (Ilam), caressed the old books.
ANDREW Tracey, retired director of the International Library of African Music (Ilam), caressed the old books.
I’m delighted, he said, stroking the covers of various editions of The Journal of African Music. He picked up the latest edition, published in August this year.The cover’s in colour but its size, layout everything is the same.
Tracey was was guest of honour last week at a buoyant function marking the re-appearance of The Journal of African Music which was started by his father, Hugh Tracey, in 1954, the same year he established Ilam in Roodepoort. Andrew Tracey began his relationship with the journal as assistant editor in 1959.
He ran his hand along the line of stacked publications.1978 the year we came to Grahamstown was about here. Although he has no longer participates in journal production, he admitted to fatherly interest.
Reviving the journal has been a major focus for director Diane Thram.The articles were already here, she said, recalling her arrival at Ilam last year following Tracey’s retirement.
They had already been submitted to Andrew. However, she added a bonus feature. The journal now features a full-length CD inside each copy to illustrate the articles.
The launch function also allowed Rhodes vice-chancellor Saleem Badat to list six sound reasons to celebrate. One, he started, Ilam is here. His sixth point was that The Journal of African Music is the only journal on African music published in Africa. When it comes to renaissance and revival, it’s the little things that add up, he said. This is a wonderful achievement.
The party, which had been started by the Ilam Marimba band, continued with Afro-fusion sounds from local band NIA. Tracey looked as radiant as any proud parent.Gillian Rennie
The Journal of African Music costs R180.
