Cultural Rhythms at Risk: Libraries, Copyright, and AI in the Preservation of African Music

Abstract

African music has long been central to the continent’s diverse cultures and everyday life. As an essential component of oral traditions, it functions as entertainment and a powerful medium of expression, storytelling, and communication (Stone, 2008). The cultural and social value attributed to African musical heritage is profound and often unparalleled. Yet, much of this heritage is at risk of disappearing due to insufficient preservation strategies. This study examines the significance of libraries, copyright law, and artificial intelligence (AI) in safeguarding African musical heritage as a form of indigenous knowledge and communication. It explores how libraries and archives can serve as custodians of musical heritage, in the face of legal and ethical limitations when digitizing and sharing culturally significant works. With the advent of Generative AI, many traditional forms of music are at risk, as they lack proper archival infrastructure and comprehensive preservation policies. While open-source digital repositories present viable solutions, their effectiveness remains limited by several factors, including the absence of specialized musical archives, inadequate institutional investment, and weak copyright frameworks. These vulnerabilities are especially alarming given the growing risks of AI-generated cultural appropriation and misuse. The study explores why African libraries have not been at the forefront of preserving musical heritage and examines how they can actively participate in protecting it from copyright violations and AI-driven exploitation. Drawing on case studies and policy analysis, the paper argues for a reimagined framework that balances intellectual property rights with equitable access and cultural sensitivity. It calls for collaborative strategies among cultural institutions, legal bodies, technologists, and local communities to ensure that AI enhances, rather than endangers, the living legacy of African musical traditions.

(presented on 15 August 2025 at "Curating in the Age of Generative AI: Global Perspectives on Collections, Ethics, Ownership, and Cultural Responsibility" session)