TWB - Who Are The Storytellers? (West African Griots)

In West Africa, speech goes deeper than just communication - the spoken word is imbued with the natural power to create and to give life. For centuries, West African storytellers have been advisors to kings, emperors, village elders and tribal chiefs. They have served as walking libraries, fonts of all knowledge, "the memory of humankind". And whilst the brutal slave trade of the 16th-19th centuries did its best to destroy West African culture, the legacy of the griots lives on in hip-hop, poetry and activism to this very day.

Welcome to The Wandering Bard, a bonus historical series on Stories from the Hearth examining the history of storytelling. This month’s episode is the second in a season asking "Who are the storytellers?" Today we examine West African griots.

The next story episode from Stories from the Hearth is out on 29th August. Next month's Wandering Bard bonus episode will take a look at the shadow puppetry of ancient China.

The aim of Stories from the Hearth is to rekindle its listeners' love for the ancient art of storytelling (and story-listening), and to bring some small escapism to the frantic energies of the modern world.

Support the podcast from just £2 ($2.50) on Patreon, and get early access, exclusive content, bonus story-episodes, in-episode shout-outs, and the chance to become part of a wider community. Simply click here: https://www.patreon.com/storiesfromthehearthpodcast

Today's sources: The Culture Trip, Cultures of West Africa, TEDxUnilorin, and Green Global Travel

Sirata by Habib Koité - listen here!

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