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

“My mother was such a griot in our family,” Due says.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2023

Simon sees himself as a griot, “a keeper of stories through music,” and many of his tales offer “a positive message, the positive response to the struggle,” he said.

From New York Times • May 17, 2023

Maal was born into a fisherman class and was expected to follow that career path, but he befriended Mansour Seck, a griot — or traveling storyteller and musician — and was welcomed into his family.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 5, 2023

He soon went solo, quickly establishing himself as a gravel-voiced griot.

From Washington Post • Aug. 17, 2022

She curates an archive of griot poetics and a related performance series at L.A.'s music and archive venue 2220 Arts + Archives, a space she runs with friends.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 20, 2022