djeli

Jeli, also spelled djeli, refers to a class of West African oral historians, musicians, and praise singers. In Mandé-speaking areas of Mali, Guinea, Senegal, The Gambia, and Burkina Faso, jelis function as living archives, preserving genealogies, royal lineages, and notable historical events through performance. They use song, poetry, and instrumental music to record memory and to celebrate patrons, while shaping social norms, political legitimacy, and community identity.

Traditionally jelis belong to hereditary guilds, and training begins in childhood under a master jeli. They master a repertoire of epics, praise songs, genealogies, and proverbs, delivered in performance with improvisation and audience participation. The primary instrument is the kora, a long-necked lute-harp, though jelis also employ balafon, ngoni, and voice. Performances occur at weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals, and public events, and jin attracting honor and prestige to both the performer and the patron.

In modern times, jelis may work as independent artists, in ensembles, or as educators and cultural ambassadors. Their role has expanded beyond traditional patronage to include cultural preservation, recording, and participation in global music scenes. While many still operate within traditional social structures, some navigate contemporary markets and media. The term jeli is often equated with griot in English, though it specifically reflects the Mande-speaking tradition from which the role originates.