Who is the most famous griot?
Their skill in communicating and in mediation made them, according to Toumani Diabate, Mali’s kora-playing wizard and the world’s most famous griot, “the needle that sews”. Where do we find the jali in 21st Century Africa?
What were Malinke griots?
Griots originated in the 13th century in the Mande empire of Mali. For centuries they have told and retold the history of the empire, keeping their stories and traditions alive. They tell their stories to music, using instruments such as the ngoni, the kora or the balafon.
What are African griots?
A griot (/ˈɡriːoʊ/; French: [ɡʁi.o]; Manding: jali or jeli (in N’Ko: ߖߋߟߌ, djeli or djéli in French spelling); Serer: kevel or kewel / okawul; Wolof: gewel) is a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, or musician.
Who are some famous griots?
Griot
- Senegalese Wolof griot, 1890.
- A Hausa Griot performs at Diffa, Niger, playing a Komsa (Xalam).
- Griots of Sambala, king of Médina (Fula people, Mali), 1890.
- Mandinka Griot Al-Haji Papa Susso performing songs from the oral tradition of the Gambia on the kora.
Are there griots today?
There are still many modern day griots in Africa, especially in Western African countries like Mali, Senegal, and Guinea. Some of the most popular African musicians today consider themselves griots and use traditional compositions in their music. Most griots today are traveling griots.
Who is a modern griot?
Recently the term ‘modern griot’ has appeared to mean any African or African American who is a keeper of oral history, musician, singer, and instrumentalist. In order to be a griot you must have griots in your ancestry. Many griots will perform their lineage before starting a performance.
Can anyone be a griot?
Traditionally, griots were of a social caste, the art and important position of storytelling passed down from generations of griot families and as such, not just anyone could become a griot.