What is a Jali?

Hi All,

Just thought I'd write a quick note to explain what a Jali is.  Most of you will look at this blog and assume that Jali is just the name of the talented musician that it revolves around.  Well that is true in so much as Burama Mbye goes by the name of Jali.  I guess it's like a nick name only it has a lot more significance.  In the strictest sense a Jali is a Griot.  And a Jali is something akin to a musical Jedi in West African culture.  You don't just become a Jali, the title is bestowed upon you at a point where your musical excellence is recognised by your hereditary peirs.

So to end any potential confusion Jali is a Jali.  That is to say that Burama Mbye is a Jali who goes by the name of Jali.  So if you see him out in Leeds and want to buy him a drink then "hey Jali" will do just fine!


Wiki definition

A griot is a West African poet, praise singer, and wandering musician, considered a repository of oral tradition. As such, they are sometimes also called bards. Although they are popularly known as 'praise singers', griots may also use their vocal expertise for gossip, satire, or political comment.

Griots today live in many parts of West Africa, including Mali, the Gambia, Guinea, Western Sahara and Senegal, and are present among the Mande peoples (Mandinka, Malinké, Bambara, etc.), Fulɓe (Fula), Hausa, Songhai, Tukulóor, Wolof, Serer, Mossi, Dagomba, Mauritanian Arabs and many other smaller groups.

In African languages, griots are referred to by a number of names: jeli in northern Mande areas, jali in southern Mande areas, guewel in Wolof, gawlo in Pulaar (Fula), and igiiw (or igawen) in Hassaniyya Arabic. Griots form an endogamous caste, meaning that most of them only marry fellow griots and that those who are not griots do not normally perform the same functions that they perform.

All the best!!