Keïta! L'héritage du griot

I saw Dani Kouyaté's "Keïta! L'héritage du griot" in an anthropology course when I entered undergrad. As we were learning about the world's different cultures, one that we focused on was that of the griots (storytellers) in Mali. Thus, the movie depicts a griot who tells a boy about his family history.

What struck me was that at the beginning, the boy receives a eurocentric education in school. Only from the griot does he learn his people's own history. Anyone wanting a fine example of African cinema would do well to see this one.

This film is a marvelous way to show the dichotomies between Europeanized West African education and a traditional form of West African education (initiation). At the same time, because all of the main characters are muslims, it implicitly shows that synchretism does eventually change cultures and create new ones.

At the beginning of the movie we see a spirit incite a griot to awaken. Then the griot travels to a city where he visits a family specifically to speak to the youngest member of the family to do his work of passing on the story of the young man's name (Keita). The young man is so entranced by the long story that the neglects his schoolwork and this is where the conflict begins. In the meantime we see the difference in behavior between the young man's parents and the griot (Westernized versus traditional from eating methods to sleeping preferences).

The griot's ensuing discussion with the schoolteacher is itself worth seeing the movie for...the schoolteacher does not know the meaning of his own name yet is charged with teaching young children the "knowledge" they need to succeed. The question becomes what sort of success? This film shows the merits of Afrocentric education without preaching and also entertains.

The foundational opposites depicted in Keita invoke dialectic thinking, highlighting the tension between old and new lifestyles. The film's core message revolves around the Eurocentric approach to seeking knowledge in African culture, where people become estranged from their roots. This theme is universal, especially in a globalized world where the pursuit of knowledge and competition often drive individuals away from their cultural foundations.

I often find myself constrained when learning history through a predominantly Eurocentric lens, particularly when it comes to Africa's ancient past. Much of pre-colonial African history is either absent from the mainstream or presented with a Eurocentric bias that diminishes the significance of ancient African achievements. Keita offers a glimpse into the glory of one of Africa's few prominent empires-Mali-while tracing the roots of its legendary founder, Sundiata Keita.

Although the film's historical scope is somewhat limited, it does delve into the origins of Sundiata Keita, the first king of the Mali Empire. While the historical facts are largely accurate, the film's depiction of Sundiata's evolution feels less convincing, hampered by some subpar acting and modest cinematography. That said, the true strength of the movie lies in its portrayal of the oral tradition of the Griots, who are the messengers of Africa's ancient history.

The relationship between Djeliba, a Griot, and Mabo, who is connected to him through ancestral linkages, forms the heart of the film. Their chemistry is touching, with Mabo's genuine curiosity drawing viewers into the tale of his ancestors. Djeliba's nonchalant demeanor symbolizes his inner peace and deep connection to his roots. His calm, unfazed attitude toward things he doesn't fully understand is a soothing presence throughout the film, grounding the viewer in the timeless wisdom of oral tradition.

The tension between the ancient and the modern, the traditional and the contemporary, is palpable throughout the film, compelling viewers to reflect on these dynamics in their own lives. Overall, Keita offers a thought-provoking experience, blending personal and historical introspection, despite its cinematic limitations.

Others have already summarized the story well, so I will just say that I have seen this film twice and am always struck by the really touching and realistic friendship between the little boy and this "old man" (as many in the film call him) who is a "griot" (storyteller and musician). Even though the ending is not really sad, I inevitably find myself crying by that time, and not that many films do that to me. The rapport between the two is just so great!

The other parts of the film dealing with the past and the legend of Sundiata are also quite well-done and gripping. You really get a sense of the movement of life in this area of Africa.

Definitely worth checking out!

I do not know what movie you were watching but Keita was the most god awful movie I have ever watched. We were forced to watch this in class and it will never leave my memory. The acting was horrible, the plot was nonexistent, and non conclusive. Why would he be expelled for listening instead of studying when he could have easily done both? And why were the hunters deemed worthy of the buffalo, they were just two suck-ups who gave the "wild" lady food and drink!