Book Description:
Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali is a foundational West African oral epic chronicling the rise of Sundiata Keita, the legendary 13th-century founder of the Mali Empire. Passed down by griots—traditional oral historians—this tale blends history, myth, and cultural memory. It follows Sundiata’s miraculous birth, his childhood struggles with a mysterious disability, and his triumphant rise to power. Guided by fate and prophecy, Sundiata gathers allies to overthrow the tyrant king Soumaoro Kanté and unite the Mandinka people.
Through its poetic prose and spiritual symbolism, the epic preserves ancestral wisdom, moral values, and the history of one of Africa’s greatest empires. Djibril Tamsir Niane’s transcription brings the voice of the griot to the page, ensuring the survival of this oral masterpiece for future generations.
About Djibril Tamsir Niane:
Djibril Tamsir Niane (1932–2021) was a renowned Guinean historian, playwright, and author best known for transcribing and publishing Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali, a foundational West African oral tradition. Born in Conakry, Guinea, Niane dedicated his career to preserving African history and culture, especially the rich legacy of the Mandé people. As a scholar, he emphasized the importance of oral history in understanding Africa’s past and played a pivotal role in bringing African epics to global audiences. His work remains a cornerstone of African historiography and literature.