griot
what it is
A griot is a West African poet, praise singer, and wandering musician, considered a repository of oral tradition. As such, they are sometimes also called bards. Although they are popularly known as 'praise singers', griots may also use their vocal expertise for gossip, satire, or political comment.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make griot a playlist
turn these 12 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is griot?
A griot is a West African poet, praise singer, and wandering musician, considered a repository of oral tradition. As such, they are sometimes also called bards. Although they are popularly known as 'praise singers', griots may also use their vocal expertise for gossip, satire, or political comment.
What are good griot albums to start with?
Try Toumani & Sidiki by Toumani Diabaté & Sidiki Diabaté and In Griot Time - String Music from Mali by Various Artists.
Who are some women making griot?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/griot/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making griot, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-23