Dorwana!
/Dorwana Tijan is one of the most amazing musicians I have met throughout my life. The youngest brother of Kakraba Lobi (Sinyiri Tijan), Dorwana has been performing gyil for decades. He was a member of the Ghana Dance Ensemble at Legon, playing the music of all Ghanaian cultures. In addition to being an amazing musician, he is also a master gyil builder. Building xylophones for years, one could argue that most xylophones in America have been built by him.
During my stay in Ghana, Dorwana taught me his culture's gyil and drumming music, while also helping me learn the basics of gyil construction. I quickly realized that I am much better with a mallet than with an axe! In addition to lessons, Dorwana helped me travel to his hometown Saru, and throughout the Birifor homeland. No matter where we were, he was always willing to explain to me Birifor music and its cultural role.
A unique characteristic is Dorwana's desire to learn. While its obvious that Dorwana is a master of his culture's music, he is still avidly learning as much as he can. While traveling he would always record xylophonist, discuss cultural practices, and ask as many questions as possible. Back home he would listen to these recordings and slowly work through new musical ideas, comparing what he already knows to these new styles. In addition to learning more about his own culture, he has spent many years learning the music around him. If music is involved, Dorwana will surely take part.