01/03/2026
What is a Griot?
A Griot is a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, and/or musician.
In Trinidad and Tobago, many of our ancestors arrived with very little. Whether they were brought by colonial force or fleeing religious persecution, they were not able to bring much of their homeland with them. Yet, today Trinidad and Tobago is a vibrant melting pot of our diverse ancestries. Have you ever wondered how we managed to build our rich culture? One that has managed to maintain so much of the places from which we hail. Storytellers!
Known by many names - Cacique, Kathak, Hikawati, Griot - storytellers have documented our histories and passed down traditions that birthed Trinbagonian culture. In fact, oral histories are so crucial to our identity that we developed our own unique brand of storytellers - Calypsonians.
During this exhibition, you’ll discover what connects Trinidad and Tobago so deeply with the Griot of West Africa, how the Griot tradition has helped to shape our culture and inform our traditions, and why Calypsonians are considered to be modern-day Griots.
Visit the TTCM to explore our exhibition, David Rudder, a contemporary Griot.
đź“Ť Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Museum
#81 Charlotte Street, Port of Spain
đź•° Opening Hours
Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
🎟 Admission
Adults: TTD $60 | USD $10
Children 12 & under: TTD $20 | USD $3
📧 Group bookings: [email protected]
