D. T. Niane
(b. 1932)

The family background of Djibril Tamsir (D. T.) Niane may have led him to his career as a writer and historian. Niane, a native of Senegal, Africa, is a descendent of griots or storytellers. In his most notable work, Niane retold the centuries-old tale of African King Mari Djata. Niane's retelling, which he wrote in his Malinke language, was translated into French as Sundjata ou l'Epoque Mandiginue in 1960. Five years later, it was translated into English and published as Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali. The ancient story began as an oral epic that was passed down through generations of griots for over 700 years.

In early times, African griots were simply court musicians. Their role evolved over time, however, until they became an integral part of their tribe's culture. Griots were given the unique and vital job of recording and retelling the history of a tribe through songs. These songs used traditional melodies and chronicled births, deaths, and important historical events within the tribe—all of which were completely committed to memory.

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