Introduction to African Storytelling

Usifu Jalloh—the Cowfoot Prince—was born in Kamakwie in the northern province of Sierra Leone and is of the Limba and Fula heritage. Both peoples’ are renowned for their rich oral storytelling tradition. He has been a storyteller for the past twenty-five years. 

Growing up, Usifu would spend most evenings listening to stories being told by his grandmother, Mammy Foyre, and his uncles, Joseph and Soriba Yamahunkate Bangura. Framed by a night sky full of billions of stars and enjoying an evening meal of roast corn and boiled groundnuts, he would listen attentively to his family’s stories while the storytelling spark grew inside of him until it was a fire that could be contained no longer. 

The stories of his uncle Joseph and uncle Soriba were particularly impactful. Uncle Joseph would tell funny stories about Woosi the Spider, whereas uncle Soriba would tell stories of spirits and adventures. Despite their different storytelling styles, both inspired Usifu’s own journey into storytelling.