The word of the day is griot, a term originating from West Africa. Griots are a class of musician-entertainers who perform tribal histories and genealogies. Broadly, the term also encompasses any storyteller. These individuals serve as cultural guardians, preserving oral traditions for centuries. Griots function as oral historians, musicians, and sometimes praise singers. They maintain the genealogies and historical narratives of their tribes. The word itself is a borrowing from French. In West African countries, their role remains significant. Traditionally, griots play instruments like the kora and the khalam. The kora is a long-necked, 21-string lute.