A griot is a West African storyteller. The griot as a poet, praise singer, and wandering musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition. According to Paul Oliver in his book Savannah Syncopators, “Though [the griot] has to know many traditional songs without error, he must also have the ability to extemporize on current events, chance incidents and the passing scene. His wit can be devastating and his knowledge of local history formidable.” Although they are popularly known as ‘praise singers’, griots may also use their vocal expertise for gossip, satire, or political comment.
Griots today live in many parts of West Africa, including Mali, the Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal and are present among the Mande peoples Hausa, Wolof, , Mossi Arabs and many other smaller groups. The word may derive from the french transliteration “guiriot” of the Portuguese word “criado,” or masculine singular term for “servant.”
Birago Diop 