Princess Magogo, who died in 1984, was a composer, a traditional praise singer, an authority on Zulu music and a political activist.

While today, griots are often seen praise singers at local weddings or civic events, historically they served as court historians, advisors, and diplomats.

His descriptions of the musical performances by griots (West African praise singers) could still apply to their timeless art today.

The kora has sound holes in the side which are used to store coins offered to the praise singers, in appreciation of their performance.

The praise singers are called "jalibaa" in Mandinka.

Traditional African approaches to music, led by hereditary praise singers and professional moralists, lead people to expect social and political messages from pop.

Hausa ceremonial music is well known in the area and is dominated by families of praise singers.

In Senegal, members of the caste of professional bards have been especially celebrated as praise singers.

In Mali, such a speaker can be described as a poet, a storyteller, a praise singer or a musician.

Although they are popularly known as "praise singers", griots may also use their vocal expertise for gossip, satire, or political comment.