Senegalese Hip Hop - History of Griots

History of Griots

Prior to the wide spread of hip hop in Senegal, traditional music was transcended through pre-ordained griots. The term griot, also known as gewel, can be defined as, “… traditional praise-singer, musician, social go-between, counselors, or dancer and acrobat,” These individuals were born into, “endogamous, professionally specialized group often referred to as a ‘caste’.” Their position in Senegal society was that of much importance for griots were are also known for their abilities as oral specialist who, “…had to guarantee not only the survival of their people as a culturally and historically defined group, but also the social status of the nobles they were attached to.” Griots were culturally responsible for knowing their genealogies in speaking and in song, to recite for the nobles. Through they were not considered “upper-class”, they were given food, clothing, jewels, land and slaves for their work. “While they could attain high individual status through their work and their social behaviors, their social status as a group was low. They depended economically on the nobles who paid them for their services, they could not attain positions of political power, and they were not allowed to bear arms…” Understanding their role in society is understanding the importance of expression in Senegal. As historians, entertainers, and musicians, griots were influential in many ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, births, religious parades, and politics, for they used song and speech to recite important information with the usage of praise songs.