Mandinga Lieder & Balafon Workshop @ Roots & Sprouts Festival 2026

Griots are the guardiansof a centuries-old tradition: they preserve history, memory, and knowledge, passing them down through the generations through song and storytelling. To this day, they play an important role in the social life of many West African communities.

The music of the griots is closely linked to the Manding culture of West Africa, which today shapes regions in Guinea, Mali, the Gambia, and Senegal, among others. Manding music combines singing with instruments such asthe kora—the West African necked harp—andthe balafon—a pentatonic wooden xylophone.

Work with the griot(s) [INSERT NAME(S)] to rehearse a traditional West African piece as a group in chorus. 

Anyone who’d like to can pick up the balafon and accompany the piece. 

Come join us and immerse yourself in the narrative and musical world of the griot tradition!

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Griots are the guardians of a centuries-old tradition: they preserve history, memory, and knowledge, passing them down through generations via song and storytelling. To this day, they play an important role in the social life of many West African communities.

The music of the griots is closely linked to the Mandinka culture of West Africa, which today shapes regions in Guinea, Mali, The Gambia, Senegal, and other countries. So-called Mandinka music combines singing with instruments such as thekora—the West African bridge harp—and thebalafon—a pentatonic wooden xylophone.

Rehearse a traditional West African piece as a group with the griot Sory Diabaté in a choir setting.

You can also pick up a balafon and accompany the piece.

Come join us and immerse yourself in the narrative and musical world of the griots!