Documentary - Sotigui Kouyate - La voix du griot



2004 12 min with English subtitles


Presentation / What is a griot and what are his functions ? / The differences for an actor betwenn theater and cinema / Interview realized with Clarisse Clozier.

"Despite the West's opinion, the Griots are the masters of ceremonies, they organise all the ceremonies from birth to baptism, marriage and burial. Nowadays, when the West sees a singer in the Griot, it is just a minute part of his persona. You don't ask a Griot if he can dance, sing or play an instrument, it goes without saying, it is in the blood. The word 'griot' in Bambara, Malinke, Cassanke or Dioula means 'jeli': blood. The most important role of the Griot is that of mediator."