Jali (griot)

A Jali, also known as a griot, is a traditional West African storyteller, musician, and historian who preserves and shares cultural history through oral storytelling, music, and praise poetry. They serve as the keepers of community history, lineage, and values, often performing with instruments like the kora or balafon. Jalis are respected figures who play a vital role in maintaining social cohesion by passing down stories and traditions from generation to generation. Their work combines artistry with cultural preservation, making them essential figures in West African societies.