THE GRIOTS

The Griots have been storytellers, since the conception of the womb at the dawning of creation. After dusk, a drum call or a vocal call or a rattle, something would announce the arrival of the Griot(s). Gathered around a central fire the storytellers told stories about the many Alusi, deities, goddesses and gods, they honoured orignal people of the earth. They told tales of love and friendship, of integrity and strength, of wars and battles, of heroes and leaders, of Queens and empresses, of kings and emperors of other Griots and magic makers. The stories that most captured the imagination were those that conjured the ancestral energy, of the trickster. The trickster was known for using wit and humor over brute force to get the desired result. Many of us are familiar with Anansi our favourite trickster. There would be music, dancing and song. The Griot kept history alive and were the healers of souls.

There was one official Griot family per village. They worked together for the well being of the community. If a village tried to steal or entice away a Griot or any member of the family from another village, serious negotiations were entered to prevent war from breaking out. The seven elemental spirits of the universe were called upon. The Griots were very important. Their job was to create storytelling rituals and a connection to the spirit world. Today, there are Griots in African villages, still telling tales and creating new stories about the marvelous people of Africa. In an attempt to keep the magic of African storytelling alive, Griot Chinyere has created and designed the Griot Way Training. Be part of the magic!