SHOTGUN GRIOT: Conversations with Creatives in New Orleans
Shotgun Griot is a dynamic podcast and event series based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hosted by interviewer Amina Desselle, the podcast brings listeners into the interior lives of the talented creatives who shape the culture of the city. From musicians and visual artists to chefs, writers, comedians, dancers, and actors, each episode delves into the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs behind the work of these remarkable artists. Amina’s intentional conversations uncover the inspirations, visions, and motivations that drive New Orleans’ artistic community.
Beyond the podcast, Shotgun Griot hosts exclusive events and gatherings that create opportunities for local creative professionals to come together. These intimate events offer a platform for artists to share their work, reflect with their communities, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the ever-evolving landscape of their crafts. With a focus on fostering collaboration and nurturing artistic growth, Shotgun Griot creates beautiful spaces for creatives to connect, inspire, and thrive.
Join us as we celebrate the innovators who sustain the creative spirit of New Orleans.
— — —
The name Shotgun Griot is inspired by two deeply rooted African traditions that have shaped the cultural landscape of New Orleans.
The term “shotgun” refers to a distinctive style of architecture that arrived in the U.S. through the legacy of free Haitians of color. Shotgun houses are traditionally one room wide, one story tall, and several rooms deep, creating a sense of shared space that fosters community. The Shotgun Griot podcast began recording in a historic shotgun house, embodying this spirit of connection and openness.
The word “griot” comes from West Africa, where griots have long been the artists and storytellers of their communities. These families and individuals carry the responsibility of preserving and passing down the oral history, knowledge, and cultural heritage of their people through spoken word and song. Griots serve not only as storytellers but also as advisors, mediators, and stewards of collective memory. In New Orleans, artists continue this tradition by creating and sharing works that reflect the lived experiences of the city's residents, shaping and reimagining our shared spaces. As Senegalese filmmaker Djibril Diop Mambety once said, “The griot is a messenger of one’s time, a visionary and the creator of the future.”
Shotgun Griot honors both of these traditions—creating a space where the stories of New Orleans’ artists are shared, supported, and celebrated.
@shotgungriot