Storytelling: Griots

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A "griot" (also known as "jeli", "jali" or "gewel"), is a West African troubadour-historian. For many griots, society's history and music go hand in hand. If you are a griot, you are either a musician, or a storyteller, or both. 

Africa | "Griot Soussou". Guinée - Afrique Occidentale ...
A griot from Guinea
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The griot profession is hereditary and has long been part of West African culture. Historically, only those in a family of griots were allowed to study music, but now studying music is a personal choice. The role of a griot is to pass on the histories of families and society through stories and poems - many of them use music to do this. 
Watch the following on West African Griots:

Many griots play the kora: a long-necked harp lute with 21 strings. This traditional instrument is now studied by many young people in music conservatoires. 

KORA – Pickup The World
Kora
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Many griots will also play the Djembe (drum).


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Djembe
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In addition to serving as the primary storytellers of their people, griots take part in ceremonies (such as weddings and funerals) and have also served as advisers and diplomats. Over the centuries their advisory and diplomatic roles have diminished, but their entertainment appeal has become more widespread. 

1000+ images about The Blues Roots - African Griot on ...
Griot of Niantanso, Mali
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Listen to Sounafi by Mah Damba Djelimousso, a traditional griot singer, who comes from a family of griots:

This blog is intended to be educational and to share knowledge about music. Daily Hit of Music does not claim to own anything contained in this post and declares its sources openly. 
The following sources were used for this blog post: Wikipedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica, TEDx Talks.
Image sources can be found in the image captions. 
Recordings can be found on YouTube by clicking the 'DHM YouTube Playlist' links.

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