The Jali

The Jali, or Griot, are from the musical cast of the Mande People, of West Africa. Jali are responsible for being a historian, storyteller, praise singer, as well as a musician.  By keeping the oral traditions of the Mande people alive, Jali are often seen as a societal leader. Historically the Jali would be at his King's side at all times, similar to the position of a french troubadour. Depending on his family tree a Jali can be seen playing any one of three instruments. The balafon, the Kora, or the Ngoni, all of which are hand made by the Jali and mastered in playing during their apprenticeship. Jali can be male or female, the male sing and can play any one of the three tradition instruments, while females traditionally only sing. More recently the barrier between men and women has become less prominent and more women are learning Jali instruments.

A Jali explaining the story telling tradition of the Mande people. 

Here, Jali Fily Cissokho playing the Kora, is openning a concert with a traditional blessing, during the first European performance of A Curva Da Cintura.

A Griot teaching his son to play Kora. Signing the vocal accompaniment while his son plays the instrumental accompaniment on the Kora.

Female Jali singing the story of Caoumbody, with no instrumental accompaniment. Notice the call and response between the women on the far left and the other three women to the right, as well as the rhythmic support created by the women clapping.

Jali may show up to weddings invited or not. It is common for a Jali to show up and play at a wedding without being asked. The Jali will play and sing and per tradition people will give him small donations.

References
http://www.seckoukeita.com