What Are Griots? | Black History Buff: Definitions

What Are Griots? | Black History Buff: Definitions

Author: King Kurus, Griot of Black & African History June 25, 2025 Duration: 1:07

In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore the word Griot, a term deeply rooted in West African history and culture.

You’ve likely heard the word in conversations about storytelling, oral tradition, or African heritage, but what does it actually mean? And why does it matter?

This short, accessible episode defines the role of the Griot, explains its historical context, and introduces its lasting influence in Black communities around the world.

Whether you’re brushing up on your knowledge, teaching others, or simply curious about the origins of Black cultural expression, this episode gives you a clear, foundational understanding of a powerful tradition.

Perfect for learners, educators, and anyone looking to enrich their cultural vocabulary, one definition at a time.

Stay curious. Stay proud. Stay blessed.


The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project. 


We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you.


So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon:


Membership benefits include:


  • Early access to new episodes
  • Bonus episodes and content
  • Be part of the creation of new episodes 
  • Guest memberships
  • Get featured In Episode End credits 
  • Ad Free Episodes


https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff



Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts 


https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory



Find me on Social Media


https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff


Buy me a Coffee


https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast


Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission. 


Stay Blessed,


King Kurus, 


The Black History Buff



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Black History Buff Podcast, hosted by King Kurus, is your gateway to the untold stories of Black history. From African Samurai and pistol-wielding poets to revolutionaries like Fred Hampton and Angela Davis, each episode dives deep into the rich and thrilling history of the *African Diaspora*. We go beyond the textbooks, covering everything from the ancient kingdoms of *African History* to the American *Civil Rights movement* and the trailblazers of *Black British history*. More than just a podcast, this show is a bridge connecting Black communities to the past, offering powerful stories that enlighten, empower, and inspire.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Black History Buff: Uncovering Untold Stories
Podcast Episodes
Day 11: Zadie Smith: Redefining the British Literary Landscape [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, presents the literary phenomenon Zadie Smith in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this author has reshaped our understanding of contemporary British identity.Th…
Day 10: Stormzy: Grime Artist, Philanthropist, and Cultural Icon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we dive into the world of Stormzy in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this grime artist became a voice for a generation and a force for change.In th…
Day 9: Malorie Blackman: Redefining Young Adult Literature [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you the inspiring story of Malorie Blackman in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this groundbreaking author revolutionized young adult fiction in Britain…
Day 7: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: The African Mahler [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, introduces you to the musical genius of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this mixed-race composer broke racial barriers in classical…
Day 5: Claudia Jones: Mother of the Notting Hill Carnival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, presents the remarkable story of Claudia Jones in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this Trinidad-born activist and journalist became a catalyst for change in B…
Day 3: Olaudah Equiano: The Voice that Fuelled Abolition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you the powerful story of Olaudah Equiano in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this former slave became a key figure in the British abolitionist movement…
Day 2: The Other Angel: Mary Seacole and the Crimean War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46
While Florence Nightingale's name became famous, another pioneering nurse, the British-Jamaican Mary Seacole, risked everything on the battlefields of the Crimean War—only to have her story nearly erased from history.Thi…