Music of Mali - Jeliya (Griots)

Jeliya (Griots)

The jeliw (sing. jeli, fem. jelimusow, French griot) are a caste of professional musicians and orators, sponsored by noble patrons of the horon class and part of the same caste as craftsmen (nyamakala) like blacksmiths Kante, Soumaoro, Fane, Doumbia... Because the jeli class is endogamous, surnames are caste-based; thus, certain names are held only by jeliw. Common jeli surnames include Kouyaté, Kamissoko, Sissokho, Soumano, Diabaté and Koné.

Jeliw are supported by their noble sponsors. Their job is complex. They recount genealogical information and family events. They also laud the deeds of their patron's ancestors and praise their patrons themselves, as well as exhort them to behave morally to ensure the honour of the family name. They also act as dispute mediators. The position is highly respected, and jeliw are often trusted by their patrons with privileged information because the caste system does not allow the jeliw to rival the nobleman.

Few non-jeliw have taken music as a profession, though Salif Keita remains an extremely prominent example of a noble-born Malian who became a singer, adopting traditional garb and styles. He has, however, argued that he sings as an artist, in order to personally express himself, and not as a jeli; however, when he sings the praises of people using a jeli style, the true jeliw argue that he is treading on their territory.

The jeli repertoire includes several ancient songs; the oldest may be "Lambang", which praises music. Other songs praise ancient kings and heroes, especially Sunjata Keita ("Sunjata") and Tutu Jara ("Tut Jara"). Music is typically accompanied by a full dance band, often using electric instruments in recent years. Songs are composed of a scripted refrain (donkili) and an improvised section. Improvised lyrics praise ancestors, and are usually based around a surname. Each surname has an epithet used to glorify its ancient holders, and singers also praise recent and still-living family members. Proverbs are another major component of traditional songs.

The political and historical aspects of the jeli's task fall largely, but not exclusively, within the male jeli's realm, as does the playing of most instruments. The only instrument played by jelimusow traditionally was the karinya, though now some have taken up playing drums, kora, and even ngoni.