griot

American  

[gree-oh, gree-oh, gree-ot] / griˈoʊ, ˈgri oʊ, ˈgri ɒt /

noun

1. a member of a hereditary caste among the peoples of western Africa whose function is to keep an oral history of the tribe or village and to entertain with stories, poems, songs, dances, etc.

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griot British  

/ ˈɡriːəʊ, ɡriːˈɒt /

noun

1. (in Western Africa) a member of a caste responsible for maintaining an oral record of tribal history in the form of music, poetry, and storytelling

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Etymology

Origin of griot

1955–60; < French, earlier guiriot, perhaps ultimately < Portuguese criado domestic servant, altered in W African coastal creoles

Explanation

In West Africa, a griot is a storyteller, poet, or musician. The performances of griots often involve relaying the history and genealogy of a particular tribe. In many parts of West Africa, including Mali, Senegal, and Niger, griots act as troubadours or minstrels, entertaining audiences with songs and stories. At the same time, griots are responsible for keeping history, traditions, and family stories alive. They also frequently keep up on current events and report local news. These wandering bards have always been considered high-ranking members of society.

Example Sentences

“New Orleans Griot: The Tom Dent Reader,” a collection of Dent’s writings edited by Kalamu ya Salaam, covers the life of an important literary figure.

From New York Times • Jun. 5, 2024

Mbalia uses a three-part form for his featured story, “The Griot of Grover Street.”

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2021

Boka connects rich traditional music to global music, creating a fusion between Griot music, Afrobeat and modern Guinea music.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 9, 2021

Fagan had worked with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Marsalis on "Griot New York" in 1991.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2014

The Griot, as we have already mentioned, sings for money.

From History of the Negro Race in America From 1619 to 1880. Vol 1 Negroes as Slaves, as Soldiers, and as Citizens by Williams, George Washington