International Library of African Music (ILAM)
Established in 1954 by Hugh Tracey as a non-profit organisation, ILAM is now part of Rhodes University at Grahamstown, South Africa. After Hugh Tracey's death, his son musician/ethnomusicologist Andrew Tracey took over as director until his retirement at the end of 2005. ILAM's new director is ethnomusicologist Diane Thram.
ILAM has now been incorporated into the Music Department, and offers courses in African-based ethnomusicology to students, and continues, as Hugh Tracey put it many years ago, "to bring to the attention of the musical world the cultural importance of this aspect of folk music and the potential genius of African musicians in their own right."
Amongst other things, the specifically designed building houses the archive of Hugh Tracey's recordings – in a specially climatised part of the building – as well as his collection of musical instruments. Outside is a small amphitheatre for live concerts, and a very busy bird-table.
In spite of university technocrats and an ILAM Advisory Board (that mysteriously does not even include Andrew Tracey!), Hugh Tracey's spirit is still very present at ILAM.
