West African Griots - TWB S2 E2

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.

This is Part Two in the second season of Stories from the Hearth's bonus historical and interview series: The Wandering Bard. Each season of The Wandering Bard examines a different aspect of the history and nature of storytelling, as well as people behind it. In season two of The Wandering Bard, we ask the question “Who are the storytellers?”, and in today's episode, we examine the Griots of West Africa.

The next episode in The Wandering Bard series will take a look at the shadow puppetry of ancient China.

Stories from the Hearth is an experimental storytelling experience ft. truly original fiction and thoughtfully produced soundscapes. The aim of this podcast 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. Stories from the Hearth is the brainchild of queer punk poet, environmentalist, and anarchist Cal Bannerman. Vive l'art!

Support the podcast and get early access, exclusive content, bonus story-episodes, in-episode shout-outs, and the chance to become part of a wider community, by visiting my Patreon: 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!

Instagram: @storiesfromthehearth
Twitter: @Hearth_Podcast
YouTube: Stories from the Hearth
Email: [email protected]

Fire Daemon Character Artwork by Anna Ferrara
Anna's Instagram: @giallosardina
Anna's Portfolio: https://annaferrara.carbonmade.com/

Thank you for listening. Please consider following, subscribing to, and sharing this bonus episode, and please do tell your friends all about Stories from the Hearth.