In a world where books are burned, histories rewritten, and cultural erasures are increasingly normalized, understanding griot culture is not only a journey into the past but a powerful act of resistance.
The griot, a timeless figure in West African traditions, represents an essential link to heritage, memory, and the truths that shape communities. More than storytellers, griots are guardians of collective wisdom, truth-bearers whose words hold the power to preserve identity and spirit across generations.
As modern-day artists, poets, and musicians echo the griot’s role, they remind us of our shared responsibility to protect and amplify stories that might otherwise be silenced.
In 2024, this resonance—this cultural guardianship—feels more urgent than ever. Modern musicians and poets have elevated the ancient art of griot storytelling. They weave histories, reveal truths, and affirm our place within an ongoing lineage of resilience, unity, and liberation.
The Griot Tradition and Its Global Parallels
Griots, known as jali or jeli in Manding languages or akẹwi in Yoruba, represent a class of storytellers who are integral to West African societies, as to most indigenous societies.
The term griot is usually associated with oral historians in countries like Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. Griots are custodians of oral history, genealogies, and cultural narratives, often accompanying their tales with instruments like the kora or balafon.
Similar roles exist in other cultures: the Hawaiian kahuna, Native American oral historians, and Māori kaumātua all serve as keepers of their people’s stories and traditions.
Just as griots used their art to preserve and pass down history, today’s poets, spoken word artists and musicians have become cultural guardians, wielding words to protect their communities’ stories. In so doing, they not only honor griot traditions but also draw connections across the global tapestry of storytelling traditions.
The Poet as the Modern Griot
The spirit of the griot lives on in today’s poets, who use spoken word to preserve culture, inspire change, and challenge societal norms.
Leading figures like Saul Williams have carved out a powerful space in modern poetry that channels the ancient griot tradition into a format that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences. Known for his dynamic fusion of poetry, music, and activism, Williams’ work explores Black identity, social justice, and spiritual liberation, offering transformative reflections that echo the griot’s duty to educate, provoke, and elevate.
Other poets, such as Patricia Smith and Javon Johnson, contribute to this lineage with their unflinching portrayals of Black life in America, reflecting personal and collective experiences that transcend generations. Their works, like Williams’, showcase the modern griot’s role as a cultural mirror, providing insight and empowering their communities through honest storytelling.
Venues like the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York City have amplified voices that carry the griot tradition into slam and spoken word, serving as a cultural incubator for artists who challenge, inspire, and bring communities together.
Slam poetry competitions, from Brave New Voices to the National Poetry Slam, have propelled poets into the spotlight, creating a stage for those who wield words to connect with listeners on profound levels.
Danez Smith (they/them) is a Nuyorican poet whose work has garnered national and international acclaim for its bold exploration of race, identity, and queerness.
Christian spoken word artists like Ezekiel Azonwu and Janette…ikz, from P4CM and the Poets in Autumn collective, have used their platform to explore themes of faith, love, and resilience. These poets—representing diverse backgrounds and identities—embody the griot’s dedication to preserving values, fostering unity, and documenting the human experience for future generations.
Together, these poets not only preserve the griot legacy but also expand its reach, using the stage as a vehicle to confront, heal, and empower their audiences. Through their words, they connect past and present, ensuring that the voices of Black and Brown communities continue to be heard and honored in a rapidly changing world.
Hip-Hop and the Griot Legacy
The legacy of griots extends deeply into hip-hop, where the MC functions as both historian and storyteller. Certain hip-hop artists represent the best of contemporary griot culture, embracing their responsibility to document, uplift, and empower their communities through lyricism that speaks to shared histories, struggles, and dreams.
Kendrick Lamar is one of the most notable figures in this space. With albums like To Pimp a Butterfly, DAMN., and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Kendrick addresses systemic injustice, identity, and resilience, capturing the pulse of Black America and providing a narrative framework for healing and reflection. His work serves as a testament to survival and resistance, positioning him as a griot for modern times.
Kanye West, though a complex figure, also occupies a place in this tradition, blending faith, fame, and social commentary throughout his discography.
Lauryn Hill stands as an icon within the hip-hop griot tradition, particularly with her MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 album, wherein she explored themes of self-worth, faith, and resilience, offering unfiltered insight into her journey.
Alongside Hill, artists like Nas and Lupe Fiasco have provided profound social commentary throughout their discographies. Nas’s Illmatic captured life in Queensbridge with intricate storytelling and Lupe Fiasco’s “Words I Never Said” challenged societal complacency. These artists preserved the original purpose of hip-hop with their work, imparting wisdom and documenting the truths of their communal experiences.
Through their powerful storytelling and dedication to truth, these hip-hop artists have long upheld the griot’s legacy, pouring forth their art for the historical and spiritual continuity of Black and Brown communities.
Vocalists as Modern Griots
The musicality of griots, who often accompanied their stories with instruments, finds echoes in modern vocalists and songwriters.
Erykah Badu, often hailed as the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” brings a distinct fusion of jazz, soul, and hip-hop, with lyrics that delve into themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and love. Her unique vocal style and thought-provoking lyrics make her a contemporary griot, challenging listeners to reflect on their lives and their communities.
Musiq Soulchild contributed to this legacy with his modern-day parables, offering reflections on love, connection, and emotional growth. Emeli Sandé, with a background in neuroscience, uses her music to address themes of hope, empowerment, and resilience.
Across Africa, artists like Yemi Alade, Omah Lay, Adekunle Gold, and Tems embody the griot tradition by celebrating African identity and bridging cultural narratives with global audiences.
Yemi Alade’s empowering anthems like “Tomorrow” and “Africa” highlight African pride and resilience, while Omah Lay’s introspective lyrics explore the complexities of youth, love, faith and identity. Adekunle Gold’s Gold delved into themes of love and transformation, creating a bridge between traditional African roots and modern storytelling. Tems, known for her soulful voice, uses tracks like “Essence” to express the intimacy of African “Zillennial” love.
Together, these vocalists honor the griot legacy by using their music to document, inspire, and connect with audiences across the world, ensuring that stories of resilience, love, and pride continue to resonate across generations.
Reflections in 2024
In 2024, the role of the griot has expanded to include digital spaces and social media, where artists, poets, and vocalists reach global audiences.
Digital platforms allow for new forms of storytelling, and organizations like the Griot Institute for the Study of Black Lives and Cultures continue to research and promote the griot tradition in contemporary contexts. Technology serves as a tool, helping preserve this art while allowing for innovation in how stories are told and shared.
The griot’s legacy endures, adapting to contemporary mediums while preserving its core mission of storytelling, education, and cultural preservation. Through music, poetry, spoken word, and digital platforms, modern artists continue to honor and evolve this rich tradition, ensuring that the stories of their communities are heard and
Featured image: Janette…ikz latest project, Christ, Coffee & Crescendos
