The Griots of Mali: Keepers of Memory and Power
The Mali Empire: The Richest Civilization in History — Fexingo HistoryPlay episode
Show notes
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the vital role of the jeliw — the griots of the Mali Empire. From the legendary Balla Fasséké, who served Sundiata Keita, to the modern-day keepers of oral tradition, we uncover how these master musicians and historians preserved the empire's history, genealogies, and legal codes. Learn about the Kouroukan Fouga, the epic of Sundiata, and the delicate balance of power between the mansa and the nyamakala. Discover how the jeliw used the kora and the ngoni to weave stories that could make or break reputations, and how their craft survived centuries to shape West African identity today. We also discuss the challenges of oral history in the age of written records, and what the jeliw's art teaches us about memory, truth, and resilience. #MaliEmpire #Jeliw #Griots #OralHistory #BallaFasseke #SundiataKeita #KouroukanFouga #Nyamakala #Kora #Ngoni #WestAfrica #Mande #Timbuktu #EpicOfSundiata #Jali #History #FexingoHistory #AfricanHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
