<P> A griot ( / ˈɡri. oʊ / ; French pronunciation : ​ ( ɡʁi. o ) ) , jali or jeli ( djeli or djéli in French spelling ) is a West African historian , storyteller , praise singer , poet and / or musician . The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a societal leader due to his or her traditional position as an advisor to royal personages . As a result of the former of these two functions , he or she is sometimes also called a bard . According to Paul Oliver in his book Savannah Syncopators , `` Though ( the griot ) has to know many traditional songs without error , he must also have the ability to extemporize on current events , chance incidents and the passing scene . His wit can be devastating and his knowledge of local history formidable '' . Although they are popularly known as `` praise singers '' , griots may use their vocal expertise for gossip , satire , or political comment . </P>
<P> A griot ( / ˈɡri. oʊ / ; French pronunciation : ​ ( ɡʁi. o ) ) , jali or jeli ( djeli or djéli in French spelling ) is a West African historian , storyteller , praise singer , poet and / or musician . The griot is a repository of oral tradition and is often seen as a societal leader due to his or her traditional position as an advisor to royal personages . As a result of the former of these two functions , he or she is sometimes also called a bard . According to Paul Oliver in his book Savannah Syncopators , `` Though ( the griot ) has to know many traditional songs without error , he must also have the ability to extemporize on current events , chance incidents and the passing scene . His wit can be devastating and his knowledge of local history formidable '' . Although they are popularly known as `` praise singers '' , griots may use their vocal expertise for gossip , satire , or political comment . </P>
what role did griots play in west african society
what role did griots play in west african society
a societal leader
a societal leader