About Ultimes Griots
Ultimes Griots is an African publishing house founded in 2020 in Abidjan, C\u00f4te d'Ivoire.
We specialize in creating authentic African traditional tales for children, illustrated books,
comics, and educational applications that celebrate African cultural heritage.
Our mission: "R\u00e9veiller Le H\u00e9ros en chaque Africain" (Awaken the hero in every African).
We provide positive and authentic representations that nurture pride and strengthen African identity.
Cultural Significance
African oral tradition (storytelling by griots) is a millennia-old practice of transmitting
knowledge, values, and history. Ultimes Griots modernizes this tradition through contemporary
media while preserving cultural authenticity.
Key African values featured in our stories: Ubuntu (humanity towards others), community solidarity,
respect for elders and traditions, courage and perseverance, wisdom and reflection,
connection to nature, extended family importance, oral knowledge transmission.
Products and Services
- 54 Contes d'Afrique: Complete collection representing all 54 African countries
- Illustrated books: Traditional tales with contemporary African illustrations
- KUMA Mobile App: Interactive educational app with African tales, narrated by authentic griots, available iOS and Android
- 54 Tales Podcast: Free podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts featuring African tales
- African Comics: Contemporary African superheroes and characters
- UG Studio: Professional illustration services for authentic African representation
Geographic Coverage
Based in Abidjan, C\u00f4te d'Ivoire. Our stories represent all 54 African countries.
We ship worldwide: France (3-5 days), Europe, Africa, International.
Free shipping in C\u00f4te d'Ivoire for orders over 50\u20ac.
Target Audience
- African children (ages 3-15+) seeking heroes who look like them
- Parents and educators seeking diverse, culturally authentic literature
- Schools and libraries building inclusive book collections
- Cultural institutions promoting African heritage
- Anyone interested in authentic African storytelling
Why We Exist
In 2020, founder Arnaud Kossea asked African children: "Name 3 African superheroes you admire."
They couldn't name any, but instantly listed 10+ Western heroes (Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, Wonder Woman).
This revealed a "soft acculturation" - African children growing up admiring models that don't look like them.
Ultimes Griots was created to give African children stories where they see themselves represented positively,
discover their rich heritage, and can finally say "this hero looks like me, this story is mine."
Cultural Authenticity Guarantees
- In-depth research with African anthropologists and historians
- Collaboration with traditional griots and local storytellers
- Illustrations created by African artists
- Cultural verification by regional experts
- Respect for oral traditions adapted for modern children
Languages
Primary: French (France, C\u00f4te d'Ivoire, francophone Africa)
Secondary: English
Future: African languages (Wolof, Swahili, Yoruba, etc.)
Contact Information
Email: contact@ultimesgriots.com | support@ultimesgriots.com
Social Media: @ultimesgriots (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube)
Response time: 24-48 hours | Languages: French, English
Mariam
Kalou
