By the way (can't shut me up!) has anyone come across 'Baka Beyond'? This is a group of Europeans and members of the Baka (used to be called Pygmies, from rainforests in Cameroon and Congo) who combined to make music together. The result was very different and enjoyable. The group used any money they made in concerts to improve the lives of the Baka, (but making sure they didn't impose anything on them, and respecting their autonomy. They chose for themselves how they'd like the money to be spent.)
I think combining two very different musical cultures and traditions can produce startling, complex and rather beautiful music. I used to be a bit of a purist, but I'm coming round to this idea of merging!