In this article, we will explore the role and historical importance of the Griot in West African society. A griot is a traditional historian, storyteller, poet, singer, musician and oral historian responsible for preserving and transmitting the history, culture and traditions of their community. Griots played an important role in recording the histories of powerful kingdoms and empires, recounting the achievements of famous kings and queens, celebrating legendary heroes, and sharing stories about important historical figures and events. Through storytelling, music, poetry and spoken narratives, they helped preserve the collective memory of West African societies and pass this knowledge from one generation to the next.

Griots were particularly significant in societies such as the Mali Empire, where they served royal courts and prominent families, recounting the achievements of rulers, warriors and political leaders. Their performances often included traditional musical instruments, songs, praise poetry and genealogies tracing the ancestry of important families.