Modern-Day Griots: How Erykah Badu, Tems, Lauryn Hill, and Solange Continue the Legacy of African Storytelling

Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to preserve history, share wisdom, and affirm identity. From ancient times, griots—West African oral historians, poets, and musicians—served as the keepers of culture, passing down knowledge from generation to generation through song, rhythm, and spoken word.

There is a griot in all of us—in the way we tell our family stories, in the wisdom we pass down, and in the music that speaks to our souls. But as we celebrate Women’s History Month, I want to give flowers to the modern-day griots among us—those whose voices echo across airwaves, fill our favorite playlists, and continue the tradition of using music to heal, inspire, and empower.

Among these influential storytellers are Erykah Badu, Tems, Lauryn Hill, and Solange—four women whose artistry carries the essence of the griot tradition into the modern era. Their music does more than entertain; it educates, liberates, and preserves the stories of Black identity, struggle, and triumph.

Erykah Badu: The High Priestess of Neo-Soul

Erykah Badu is a truth-teller, a cultural archivist, and a healer—a modern-day griot whose music challenges, uplifts, and enlightens.

Griot Qualities in Badu’s Music

🔹 Spiritual Wisdom: 

On and On and Didn’t Cha Know offer reflections on karma and self-discovery, much like griots who imparted life lessons through parables.

🔹 Cultural Archivist: 

Through her fusion of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and soul, Badu preserves the rhythmic and melodic influences of the African diaspora.

🔹 Social Commentary: 

Tyrone critiques relationship dynamics, while Bag Lady metaphorically explores emotional burdens and liberation.

Badu’s music embodies the griot’s sacred duty of preserving Black consciousness and spiritual awareness.

Tems: The Griot of a New Generation

With a voice that carries wisdom beyond her years, Nigerian-born singer-songwriter Tems infuses traditional storytelling with contemporary soundscapes.

Griot Qualities in Tems’ Music

🔹 Ancestral Connection: 

Her sound draws from West African musical traditions, continuing the legacy of griots who passed down history through song.

🔹 Emotional Storytelling: 

Higher serves as a motivational anthem, while Free Mind speaks to mental liberation—both central themes in griot teachings.

🔹 Global Influence: 

Like the griots who traveled between communities, Tems’ music resonates across borders, bringing African storytelling to the world stage.

By blending Afrobeats, soul, and introspective lyrics, Tems honors her cultural heritage while creating new paths for storytelling.

Lauryn Hill: The Righteous Griot of Hip-Hop and Soul

Lauryn Hill is one of the most introspective and socially conscious artists of her generation. Like a true griot, she challenges, educates, and inspires through her music.

Griot Qualities in Hill’s Music

🔹 The Art of Conscious Storytelling: 

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a griot’s manifesto, filled with wisdom and lessons on love, self-worth, and personal growth.

🔹 Political and Social Commentary: 

Black Rage is a modern-day griot’s cry against systemic oppression.

🔹 The Power of Live Performance: 

Hill’s raw, spiritual performances evoke the urgency and passion of traditional griots.

Through her music and spoken word, Lauryn Hill remains a force of cultural preservation and empowerment.

Solange: The Sonic Griot of Black Liberation and Healing

Solange Knowles is a modern-day griot of Black identity, pride, and emotional healing. Her music is a meditation on ancestry, self-love, and liberation.

Griot Qualities in Solange’s Music

🔹 Honoring Black Identity: 

A Seat at the Table (2016) is a griot’s testimony on Black womanhood, healing, and resistance.

🔹 Experimental Soundscapes: 

Just as griots adapted storytelling to their audiences, Solange redefines R&B, blending jazz, funk, and Afrocentric rhythms.

🔹 Ancestral Reflection: 

When I Get Home (2019) explores her Texas roots and cultural memory, reminiscent of the griots’ deep connection to heritage.

Solange’s music is a sacred space for self-reflection, healing, and radical self-expression.

The Griot Legacy in Contemporary Music

From Erykah Badu’s spiritual musings to Lauryn Hill’s lyrical wisdom, Tems’ soul-stirring reflections, and Solange’s liberatory soundscapes, these artists uphold the sacred duty of the griots—preserving history, educating communities, and uplifting future generations.

How You Can Carry on the Griot Tradition

• Embrace Ancestral Wisdom: Learn about the history of griots and African storytelling traditions. 

  
  

• Document Your Story: Whether through music, writing, or digital platforms, share the stories of your life and community. 

  
  

• Support Modern-Day Griots: Listen to artists who use their platforms to educate, uplift, and inspire.

Modern-Day Griots: A Playlist of Storytelling & Soul 🎶

This curated playlist celebrates the griot tradition in contemporary music, featuring Erykah Badu, Tems, Lauryn Hill, and Solange.

Erykah Badu – The High Priestess of Neo-Soul

On & On | Didn’t Cha Know | Bag Lady | Window Seat

Tems – The Griot of a New Generation

Higher | Free Mind | Damages | Me & U

Lauryn Hill – The Righteous Griot of Hip-Hop and Soul

Doo Wop (That Thing) | Ex-Factor | To Zion | Black Rage

Solange – The Sonic Griot of Black Liberation & Healing

Cranes in the Sky | Don’t Touch My Hair | Mad (feat. Lil Wayne) | Almeda

🎧 Listen, Reflect, and Share  This playlist isn’t just about music—it’s about ancestral storytelling, healing, and resistance.

What songs would you add? Share your favorite modern-day griot tracks using #MyAncestryStory on social media, tag African Ancestry Link!

Start Your Journey with African Ancestry Link

Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection, identity, and healing. By uncovering your own ancestral heritage, you gain access to the stories that shaped your lineage.

At African Ancestry Link, we empower individuals to explore their roots, uncover family histories, and embrace their identity. Through ancestral discovery, you too can become a modern-day griot, preserving the legacy of your people.

🔎 Begin your journey today. Visit African Ancestry Link to take the first step toward uncovering your personal history.

📢 Join the conversation! Who are your favorite modern-day griots? Share your thoughts using #MyAncestryStory on social media, remember to tag African Ancestry Link!