What is Jeliya?

Jeliya means ‘the art of the jeli,’ who are specialists in particular Mandinka performance styles. The art of jeliya consists of playing the kora, balo, kontingo, and né, for which jeli maintain exclusive performance rights, as well as recounting political histories and family genealogies through speech and song.

What is a jeli in Mande society?

In many Mande societies, the jeli was an historian, advisor, arbitrator, praise singer (patronage), and storyteller. They essentially served as history books, preserving ancient stories and traditions through song. Their tradition was passed down through generations.

What does a jeli sing about?

Jelis perform at various public events, such as naming ceremonies, weddings, and Islamic holidays. They sing about their rulers.

What role does a jeli serve in Mande society what does he or she sing about?

In certain areas Jelis also play the Jeli dundun and the tama. It is their role to sing and recount Mande social & politcal life. They are praise singers and often encourage people to act. It is said that they can mould actions out or music in much the same way a blacksmith can mould useful things out of metal.

What is a Malian storyteller called?

Since the 13th century, when Griots originated from the West African Mande empire of Mali, they remain today as storytellers, musicians, praise singers and oral historians of their communities. And as such, have for centuries retold the history of the empire, thus keeping their history and traditions alive.

What are West African storytellers called?

Griot, Mande jeli or jali, Wolof gewel, West African troubadour-historian. The griot profession is hereditary and has long been a part of West African culture. In addition to serving as the primary storytellers of their people, griots have also served as advisers and diplomats.

What are Kumbengo and Birimintingo?

Birimintingo. The soloistic style of instrumental performance used on instruments like the kora, bala, and koni in Mande jeliya music. Kumbengo. The accompaniment style of instrumental performance used on instruments like the kora, bala, and koni in Mande jeliya music.

What is the Ngoni made of?

The body of the ngoni is made from a long, thin, hollow piece of wood with leather stretched on it, resembling a drum. The long, straight neck is inserted into the body but, unlike the kora, another West African stringed instrument, does not quite extend the length of the body.

What were storytellers called?

In the Middle Ages storytellers, also called a troubadour or a minstrel, could be seen in the market places and were honored as members of royal courts.

Why was Mali rich?

Mansa Musa inherited a kingdom that was already wealthy, but his work in expanding trade made Mali the wealthiest kingdom in Africa. His riches came from mining significant salt and gold deposits in the Mali kingdom. Elephant ivory was another major source of wealth.

How old is the kora instrument?

The kora is a string instrument used extensively in West Africa. A kora typically has 21 strings, which are played by plucking with the fingers….Kora (instrument)

String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification 323-5 (Composite chordophone sounded by the bare fingers)
Developed 16th century
Playing range
Traditional range of the kora

What country is the kora from?

West Africa
Kora/Place of origin

Kora, long-necked harp lute of the Malinke people of western Africa. The instrument’s body is composed of a long hardwood neck that passes through a calabash gourd resonator, itself covered by a leather soundboard.

What was the role of the jeliya in Mande?

Jeliya – the art of Jeli (griot) It is their role to sing and recount Mande social & politcal life. They are praise singers and often encourage people to act. It is said that they can mould actions out or music in much the same way a blacksmith can mould useful things out of metal.

What do you need to know about Jeli software?

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What kind of person is a jeli in Maninka?

The Maninka term Jeli (in Mandinka they are called Jalis) refers to a type of musical and verbal artist. Jelis are somewhat like the bards of old Europe. They are story teller, historians and musicians and yet more than this. Not just anybody can be Jeli.

Who are the jelis and what is their role?

Not just anybody can be Jeli. They are highly trained individuals and the skills are handed down through generations of specific families. Jelis have the exlucsive right to play the kora, the bala (balafon) and the Koni. In certain areas Jelis also play the Jeli dundun and the tama. It is their role to sing and recount Mande social & politcal life.