Griots are a West African caste, masters of words and music, essential figures in West African culture. Originating 700 years ago, griots' functions have evolved with society. Since before the ages of writing, television or the Internet, they kept their people's history in their heads, passed the word, praised the powerful, warned of dangers, advised right living, announced births and deaths, mediated wars... Today, they continue many of those functions with strong pride and purpose, but now griots are also spread around the world, carrying their words and music to more and more ears.

Griot musicians have fanned around the world. They have fused styles and traded influence back and forth with musicians working in diverse genres.

Griots as mediators

“Griots are climate controllers. They heat homes when it’s cold and they cool homes when it’s hot” - Sidiki Diabate.

Traditionally, griots were born into the griot caste as advisers to the king. They were ambassadors, negotiators, mediators and advocates between the king, his allies and great noble families. Today, griots are moral guides for everyone and help maintain the balance in society. Modern griots help the countries of the Mandinka culture flourish.

Sidiki Diabate says, "Africans are afraid of griots, which is why they inspire respect”.

It is the griots who bring together marriages, organize baptisms and when the child grows up put themselves in his service. The griots work against all family conflicts and arguments. They strive for harmony in society. Throughout the entire history of Africa, no griot has ever betrayed his king and has never been a slave. In fact, it was slaves to be offered to griots. Once a griot was paid with a hundred and ten villages because he said the words his noble wanted to hear.

Kela Balla, leader of the Kela griots, recounts: “We went to Guinea for a mediation. About five thousand people were in conflict with weapons readied. No authority could overrule our decision for peace. The conflict was stopped and the weapons were put down.”

Many countries in West Africa are stable and free from conflict today thanks to the presence of griots. Griots do not seek power. Our ancestors did not write. They said words full of wisdom and nobility. Griots have handed down these words throughout time.

Everything revolves around the griots: war and peace. They are the beacons of the Mandinka world.