Evaluation of music

What do the people of Chibale find most important in music and dance? In this article, we explore the forms of evaluation they use in real time and from memory.

In the 1980s, many people in Chibale were convinced that music would not have any effect when it was performed wrongly, that is when it contained mistakes (cileya). In the 2000s, this is much less common.

Sustaining the last tone of the chorusline is an important aspect of Chibale music.

Success in music and dance is a major thing in Chibale. In general, success causes suspicion. So, it is important to have some kind of explanation for it that is accepted, though typically never undisputed. One of the more accepted explanations is spirit possession. In the 1980s, success in music and dance was very important for healers.

Participation is necessary for heating the gathering which is necessary for a ritual to be effective. Even if not interested in the final effectiveness of music or gathering, the attendees themselves benefit from dedicated participation since that makes the gathering much more lively and interesting. One of the main drivers of participation is popularity.