Thank you, Professor Strumpf, for inviting me today. I commend the University of Dar es Salaam for hosting this third annual Ethnomusicology Symposium. This event provides an important venue for academics to share their research in the study of musical traditions, and the part these traditions play in a nation’s culture. The United States Mission to Tanzania is proud to be counted among those who have contributed to help make this symposium possible.

I would like to extend a special thanks to the seven presenters from the United States who traveled to Tanzania to contribute to this discussion. Your efforts speak to the importance that the American People place on music and culture.

The American-Tanzanian partnership extends into the cultural field. About thirteen percent of Americans trace their ethnic and cultural heritage to Africa. Americans of African descent have contributed to the development of American culture far beyond their share of the population. African culture greatly influenced the creation of uniquely American art forms, most notably Jazz and Blues music.

Our Mission facilitates several cultural exchanges each year in cooperation with local partners. These exchanges give Tanzanians and Americans opportunities to explore cultural linkages and to inspire one another with their creativity.

We have had the pleasure of working with Dar es Salaam University’s Department of the Fine and Performing Arts several times in the past, most recently during the performance by the Navy Brass Quintet. It is always a pleasure working with our colleagues here at the University. We look forward to future cooperation.

Music is a special form of communication that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries, bringing the people of the world closer together.

I am not a scholar of music and art, like many of you here. But I do possess a deep appreciation for music as anyone who knows me can attest. I have spent nearly my entire adult life on this continent. I greatly admire the lively complexity, emotional intensity and beauty of African music in all of its diversity.

While I am unable to attend these three days of events and discussions, I am very interested to read your papers and to learn of the insights you will share with one another. I wish you all a most productive and joyful symposium.