What is a griot?
In many West African societies, the griot is the keeper of memory: storyteller, historian, genealogist, poet and musician, he passes on the history, values and wisdom of his community from generation to generation. But what exactly is a griot? Where does this figure come from, and what is his role today? An overview of these masters of the spoken word.
Definition: what is a griot?
A griot is a custodian of African oral tradition. The word “griot” is the most widespread French term, but each language has its own: jeli (or djeli) among the Manding peoples, gewel among the Wolof, for example. The griot is not merely a storyteller: he is at once living memory, spokesperson, mediator and artist. His word commits, connects and transmits.
Origins: a centuries-old tradition
The griot tradition is deeply rooted in the history of West Africa, particularly in the Manding cultural area. It is often associated with the Mali Empire, founded in the 13th century. The famous Epic of Sundiata — the account of the empire’s founding by Sundiata Keita — was passed down from griot to griot for centuries before being written down. This shows how much these keepers of the word have shaped the collective memory of the continent.
The griot’s role in society
The griot holds an essential social function. Depending on the era and the region, he may be:
- Historian and genealogist — he knows the history of families, lineages and major events, which he recites with precision.
- Adviser and mediator — close to chiefs and notables, he advises, calms conflicts and serves as the voice of diplomacy.
- Praise singer and spokesperson — he celebrates great deeds, carries messages and leads major ceremonies (weddings, naming ceremonies, enthronements).
- Storyteller and educator — through tales, he passes on the community’s values, morals and imagination to children.
Master of the word… and of music
The griot is also a musician. Speech often blends with song and instrument. Among the emblematic instruments associated with griots are the kora (a 21-string harp-lute), the balafon (a kind of xylophone) and the n’goni (lute). This union of word and music gives oral transmission its full emotional power.
An often hereditary role
In Manding societies, the role of griot is traditionally hereditary: one is born a griot, into families that pass down the art of speech and music from generation to generation. Certain family names are historically associated with this tradition. This family transmission has preserved an immense oral heritage over the centuries.
The griot today
The figure of the griot has not disappeared: it has transformed. Guardians of a precious intangible heritage, griots continue to lead ceremonies and pass on stories. Their legacy also nourishes contemporary African music and, more broadly, an entire culture of orality. In the digital age, new media — illustrated books, podcasts, apps — extend this age-old role of story-bearer.
Ultimes Griots: carrying on the tradition
This is precisely the mission of our publishing house. Like the griots of old, we collect and pass on the tales of Africa — on paper, in audio and in an app — so that they continue to live on with today’s children, in Africa as well as in the diaspora.
Discover how we carry on the tradition → · Our African folktale books · The 54 Tales podcast · The KUMA app