Faama is a Mandinka word meaning "father," "leader," or "king".
[1] [2] It was commonly used within the area of pre-imperial Mali.
The title spread into areas conquered by Mali and was later used by the Bamana Empire and the Wassoulou Empire of Samori Toure and non-Mandinka groups in the Kenedougou Empire.
Both faama and mansa are word for king, but faama is a martial ruler and mansa is a mystic ruler.
[3] This African history–related article is a stub.