African Orality and the Roles of Griots

This work titled 'African Orality and the Roles of Griots in African Oral Tradition among the Manding', is an expository research work segmented into two parts. Part one of the work treats a general introduction vis-à-vis the concept of African orality, the place of griots in oral tradition; as well as the story of Soundiata Keita of Ancient Mali Empire and his elevation to a mythical personality. The second part of the work highlights the various roles, functions and images of griots in the traditional society and their arts of performance; which people have associated with right from ancient times. Their activities and roles are what gave them prominence, and they became entrenched as part of the 'sacred oracle' of the society with the gift of the gab, performance and memorization. The book is a handy tool for researchers of African orality, oral history and tradition as well as for various institutes of African Studies and those who desire to learn more about traditional oral performance and communication in Africa.