Nianankulu – on the trail of Sumanguru Kante
Sumanguru Kante, king of the Sosso kingdom, was surely one of the greatest warrior kings the world has known. Legend has it that while fleeing, during the battle that pitted him against Sundiata Keita, the mortally wounded king crossed the Niger River on foot…. As if to say that ninjas existed in Africa too 😁 A nod to Naruto.
On reaching the foot of the Nianankulu hills (a few meters from the riverbank), he split a hill across its entire width with a single stroke of his knife. This created a narrow cave into which he vanished forever.
Photos are not allowed inside this cave, which, according to the guide (a Diarra), scrambles the phone network.
My experience of this enriching tourist visit
This enriching experience gave me a new perspective on this great hero, who sadly is not often celebrated as he deserves. Born into the blacksmith caste, Sumanguru Kante’s determination and pride (in his origins) made him a formidable war leader. Feared by every kingdom.
Sumanguru Kante was a fierce opponent of the slave trade. A trade then carried out by Arab merchants. He did not hesitate for a moment to turn against every kingdom he considered lax on the question of slavery and the trade in human beings.
A great lover of music, he owned the famous original balafon: the Sosso-bala. An instrument carefully kept to this day in the village of Niagassola.
By the way, a magic balafon inspired by the Sosso-bala is a centerpiece of the Ultimes Griots comic. It’s a secret. Don’t tell anyone! 😊
Let’s be clear, though…
Various versions of the life story of the warrior king Sumanguru Kante exist. Several scholars, over the course of history, have put forward evidence to support their version of events. Each claiming to hold the truth: the ultimate version of events. The oldest and the most faithful to history. So be it!
One thing is clear, however. The Manden Kalikan (Charter of Manden), in its article 17, states, and I quote: A lie that has lived and endured for more than 40 years must be considered a truth. So they are all right 🙂 from their own point of view. That said, a few (ultimate) griots hold the keys to this story, which would make a real blockbuster 🙂
Gratefully,
Arnaud