Senegalese Hip Hop - Modern Griots and Modern Music

Modern Griots and Modern Music

After World War II, there was a rise in the night club scene where more diverse forms of music began to be played by foreigners. Coincidently enough, Senegal became very much interested in the new form of fashion. However, this allowed non-griots the opportunity to capture persons which was once the job of the griots. While there was much competition between the two, modern day griots used their positions as a way to incorporate modern day music. While in modern day Senegal, griots can be placed in three categories. “Those who have decided to refrain from practicing their hereditary profession and have taken up some other occupation; those who continue to perform, without innovation, and those who have managed to find or create a new kind of occupation that still seems to fit the traditional griots’ ethos adapting the art of their ancestors to modern requirements and possibilities.” The griot’s position in society, most relevant to modern day music, are those who use their song and dance as a new kind of occupation while still practicing the traditional legacies of past griots. These individuals are still highly respected for their responsibilities, and have also become incorporated in popular music culture. “Praise songs, far from being superseded, have instead become incorporated into popular music...” Today, “griots have found new meaning for old customs, and new functions for old skills,” Although they originated from a caste which held no political power, modern griots still hold much power and status and are better off in life then modern families.