CultureJuly 17, 2026
griot
/ˈɡriːoʊ/
Definition
A professional oral historian, musician, and storyteller in West African culture who preserves and transmits ancestral knowledge and genealogy.
Etymology
The word originated in the French language, likely derived from the Wolof word 'gewel,' which refers to members of this specific social caste. It was adopted into English to describe the West African tradition of praise-singing and historical storytelling.
In the news
In this article, a griot is included as a featured performer in the production 'The Revival' to honor and demonstrate the importance of African oral traditions and cultural history.
Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater to headline Atlanta Dance & Drum Festival
Read the full article ↗ARTS ATL