|
GRIOTS
Contributed by: Rosemary Mullally
 West
African Griots are historians, storytellers,
traditional praise singers and musicians. Their
roles are hereditary and their surnames identify
them as Griots. For example, Toumani Diabate of
Mali comes from
70 generations of Griots. His father, Sidiki
Diabate was considered the “King of the Kora” in
Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali and The
Gambia. When he died, memorials were held in
each of these countries, attended by foreign
diplomats, government officials and musicians.
The most famous Griot in each of these countries
was chosen to preside over the memorials and to
celebrate the life of Sidiki Diabate by “singing
his praises” and recounting his life story.
Malian Griots, both women and men, are always
present at the social rites; birth, marriage and
death. Many Griots are “family Griots” and
have been associated with a single family for
generations. These Griots are the repositories
of the family’s genealogy and history. During a
marriage ceremony, it is not unusual for the
family Griot to recount the story of an
ancestor’s marriage that occurred centuries ago;
detailing gifts given, attendants and the beauty
of the bride.
In a
given community, a Griot who attends a social
occasion usually knows everyone and their
families. To honor a guest or host, the Griot
will recount a story about their family and/or
praise the person’s business acumen, number of
children, honesty and generosity. This praise
singing is usually accompanied by the
traditional music of the djembe, balafon and
kora. During the event, in acknowledgment of
the Griot’s talent and praises, cash gifts are
given, the size of the gift dependent upon the
renown of the Griot and the affluence of the
host and guests. Competitions in gift giving
frequently occur, adding to the reputation of
the most generous giver and occasioning louder
and longer praises from the Griot.
As an
African American living in a country and a
society of Africans, I can’t help but feel
proud, yet saddened. Proud that not every part
of our African culture was erased by our
enforced journey into slavery, yet saddened that
so much of our history and knowledge is lost.
African American Griots do exist in the form of
our historians, writers, actors, musicians,
parents, grandparents and our selves. We
sing the praises of our ancestors, we
tell their stories, we give them
their rightful place in history and we
are the keepers of their memories.
As we
research our families, let us become a part of
the gift giving competition, bestowing our gifts
of knowledge upon our fellow Griots, sharing
information and resources, praising each other’s
successes. May our loud and long praises echo
down the centuries, from generation to
generation, never ending.
Rosemary Mullally
American Grio
Bamako , Mali
January
2005 |
