The Songhai (also Songhay, Songhaytarey ([soŋaj]), ([soŋaj-tah-ʀai̯])) is an area in the northwestern corner of Niger's Tillabéri Region populated mainly by the Songhaiborai.

[1] It is considered the heartland of the Songhai people and the sanctuary of their ancient pantheon and priestly class and the place in which the original lineage of the Sonni dynasty retreated after the coup d'etat of 1493 creating a secret society of magicians, the Sohance.

[2][3][4][5] The Songhay Empire grew out of a polity that was formed in this region of present-day Niger.

After being vanquished by incursions from Morocco, the Songhay state withdrew to its original homeland which is this region.

[6]: 445 [7][8] The nobles of the towns in this region trace their ancestry to two groups of Songhay nobility: the Si or Sonni Hamey (offspring of Sonni Ali Ber) and Mamar Hamey (offspring of Mamar or Maamar, that being the vernacular name of Askia Mohammad I).