An Elegant Portrait: A Senegalese Chief with his "Griot" (c.1904)

An Elegant Portrait: A Senegalese Chief with his "Griot" (c.1904)
Originally uploaded by postaletrice

A griot or jeli is a West African poet, praise singer, and wandering musician, considered a repository of oral tradition. As such, they are sometimes also called bards, says Wikipedia.

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 also use their vocal expertise for gossip, satire, or political comment.