The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is located in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal.
Jeli Culture in Guinea-Bissau
The jelis, also known as griots, are traditional troubadours originating in West Africa. These wandering minstrels have been a crucial part of the country’s cultural heritage for centuries, serving as the keepers of oral tradition and history. They travel from village to village, performing epic tales, songs, and poems that tell the stories of their people and pass down cultural knowledge from generation to generation.
Jelis are highly regarded in their communities and are seen as wise individuals who possess the knowledge of the past, present, and future. Their role is to educate, entertain, and provide historical context to important events. They perform at celebrations, weddings, and other significant cultural events, playing instruments such as the kora and bala (balafon), and singing in a style that is both powerful and emotional.
The oral tradition of the jelis is one of the richest and most diverse in the world. They sing about a wide range of topics, including stories of great warriors, tales of love and heartbreak, and legends of the gods. The songs are often complex and rich in symbolism, and their meanings are not always immediately clear to outsiders. This oral tradition has been passed down from generation to generation and has served as a means of preserving the cultural heritage of the people of Guinea-Bissau.
Despite the advent of technology and the decline of traditional storytelling, the role of the jelis remains as important as ever. They continue to preserve the rich cultural heritage of their people and pass down essential knowledge and values through song. They are also significant ambassadors of West African culture, spreading the music and traditions of their people far and wide.
Musicians from Guinea-Bissau
Bidinte (Jorge Da Silva Bidinte)
Binhan
Guto Pires
Keba Bobo Cissoko
Kimi Djabate
Eneida Marta
Nino Galissa
Ze Manel
