Musicians play a more integral role. In Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan which were largely nomadic musicians still sustain an aural tradition which is part of everyday life and life events. Many great musicians are farmers or labourers who are partially self sufficient. Money means little to them and many seemed perplexed by our fees for recordings. The western distinctions of professional and amateur do not apply here.
Music is too important to be exploited for money.
As the rural ways of life continue so the music has survived alongside it. The hospitality often being inseparable from the music. She did not understand why our contracts and fees were necessary. There was a sense that music is a gift which should be given freely, Malika was not the only musician who gave us this impression. It has been through the attitudes of people that Central Asia has made it's mark upon me.