Djeliman Kouyaté is a prominent Guinean griot, singer, lyricist, and storyteller from Siguiri, hailing from a prestigious lineage of traditional Manding griots. A highly respected cultural figure, he gained recognition as the official griot of former Guinean president Alpha Condé, to whom he remained loyal even after Condé was overthrown in a military coup. This unwavering allegiance brought him serious trouble, culminating in an attempted abduction at the Guinean-Malian border, which forced him into exile in Mali, where he found refuge with his fellow griot, Sidiki Diabaté.
Particularly eloquent and gifted in recounting the history of Manding families, Djeliman Kouyaté maintains an active presence on social media, especially Facebook, where he continues to share his artistry and express his steadfast support for Alpha Condé. In doing so, he embodies the resilience of an ancient oral tradition in the face of contemporary political upheavals.
Introduction
Djeliman Kouyaté is an iconic figure of Guinean griot artistry, eloquently and passionately embodying the ancestral Manding tradition. Born in Siguiri, this powerful voice of West African cultural heritage has built a reputation that extends far beyond the borders of his homeland.
Heritage and Tradition
Coming from a prestigious lineage of traditional griots, Djeliman Kouyaté perpetuates an age-old craft. As a guardian of Manding collective memory, he excels in recounting the history of the great families of the region. His exceptional mastery of speech and song makes him one of the most respected representatives of this oral tradition.
Political Loyalty and Exile
Djeliman Kouyaté's life is closely linked to that of Professor Alpha Condé, the former president of Guinea. As the official griot of the head of state, he distinguished himself by his unwavering loyalty, even after the regime was overthrown in 2021. This allegiance brought him serious trouble with the new Guinean military authorities.
In 2023, Djeliman Kouyaté experienced a traumatic episode when he narrowly escaped an attempted abduction at the Guinean-Malian border, allegedly orchestrated by the ruling military regime. This event forced him into exile in Mali, where he found refuge with his fellow griot, Sidiki Diabaté.
Presence on Social Media
Despite his exile, Djeliman Kouyaté maintains a strong connection with his audience through social media, particularly Facebook. His page remains highly active, allowing him to share his performances, thoughts, and unwavering support for former President Alpha Condé.
On July 16, 2023, he thanked his fans after a successful performance in Siguiri: "Sumu went well, thank you, fans, thank you, Siguiri, thank you, Tidiane Koita—the best is yet to come, we’re together, Inshallah."
More recently, on March 22, 2025, he posted a photo of Alpha Condé with a thought-provoking message: "The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from enemies, but from those you trust the most. Stay strong, Boss."
A Versatile Artist
Singer, storyteller, and complete artist, Djeliman Kouyaté stands out for his remarkable eloquence and his ability to move his audience. His art goes beyond mere entertainment to become a true vehicle for cultural and historical transmission.
In exile, he continues to uphold his beliefs and honor his friendships, as reflected in his message on March 28, 2025: "Sometimes, the importance you are given is only tied to the services you render. May Allah protect you, Your Excellency Kassory Fofana!"
The Embodiment of a Living Tradition
Djeliman Kouyaté represents far more than just an artist. He is a symbol of a centuries-old oral tradition that continues to adapt and survive in a constantly evolving world. His journey—rooted in cultural heritage and political commitment—perfectly illustrates the challenges faced by custodians of traditional knowledge in contemporary Africa.
Despite hardship and exile, his voice continues to resonate, carrying the history of the Manding people and the memory of a Guinea undergoing transformation.
