GRIOT pronounced (gre-o)A Storyteller, praise singer, and wandering musician of western Africa whose function is to keep an oral history of the tribe or village and to entertain with stories, poems and dances.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...
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