[5][6][7] Roles vary, and can be titular, formal or informal, some professional specialists such as the Caucasian ashik, or more commonly amateurs and knowledgeable generalists such as the bulaam of the Kuba people.
In many indigenous societies, such as Native American and San, these roles are fulfilled in a general sense by elders.
[11]: 192–193 These people usually hold authority within their respective societies, although musicians sometimes constitute a low caste/class.
[12] With regard to narrative traditions, they usually perform from their repertoire and apply their distinct style while innovating on a well-known tale or work, seeking to create an experience by leading, involving, and responding to the audience.
[13][14] In parts of the world they remain as custodians of culture despite rising literacy rates.