Introduction
You probably must have also read of prominent African kings who are famous for putting the continent on the map for their prowess. Kings like Ramesses II also known as Rameses the great, Sidiata Keita Of Mali, Menelik II of Ethiopia and Shaka Zulu of South Africa had great influence in their time and withstood the colonialists who had invaded Africa at the time.
But have you read about the fearless women who stood strong and led armies to victory in the vast and diverse continent of Africa? Have you heard of their conquests and victories in battles with the colonialists and their many efforts to uphold the honour of the African cultural heritage and values?
I am about to dive into their incredible stories and trust me, you're in for a real treat.
Africa's history would not be complete without the stories of these unsung heroines. Their history is a treasure trove that depicts courage, wisdom, and valour. These warrior queens weren't just fierce on the battlefield; they were also remarkable leaders, visionaries, and symbols of resilience. This changes tremendously the notion that the ancient African woman was a pushover individual who had no mind of her own and whose existence began and ended in the kitchen. These women irrespective of being in an age dominated by men and gender bias could not be subdued or limited by traditions and cultures.
I begin this journey with Queen Amina of Zazzau You'll discover how this formidable queen left an indelible mark on history, showing us that bravery knows no gender.
Queen Amina of Zazzau – The Fearless Warrior Queen
Once upon a time, in the heart of Africa, was an ancient city called Zazzau Emirate. This city was located in the northern region of Nigeria and was founded by the great King Gunguma.
In the palace of this kingdom lived a girl called Amina. Amina was the daughter of King Nikatau, who was the 22nd Emir of Zazzau Emirate, and Queen Bakwa Turunku. Amina's mother was also gifted in the area of political strategizing.
Zazzau was a prosperous city. It was also feared by all because of its formidable warriors.
Amina's Parents saw their daughter's zeal and enthusiasm to become a warrior. Her father knew she was not content to sit in the palace like the other women and girls did sharing gossip and cooking recipes. She wasn't content to be another pretty face within the palace walls.
The Adventure Commences
Amina had a spirit that was as wild as unrestrained wildfire, a heart that was as strong as a lioness, and a mind that was as sharp as a sharpened blade.
He saw the excitement in her eyes anytime she saw the warriors train with swords in their hands. He heard her silent cries to be included in those training sessions. From a young age, she wanted to showcase her fighting skills on the training ground. She wanted to fight alongside the warriors of Zazzau.
She was bold, fearless, relentless, and skilled in planning a war. Her Father also knew she secretly desired to lead the warriors to battle.
No, Amina was not an ordinary princess. She was a princess who had a desire to win great wars and battles and to further dominate the region.
The Beginning Of A Legend
Amina's desires were brought to reality when she was allowed to train with the warriors. These abilities were further enhanced on the training grounds within the palace of King Nikatau. Her Mother Queen Bakwa, recognizing her political strategizing skills, made her part of a member of a male-dominated committee of special advisers who made political decisions in Zazzau. Amina was barely sixteen years old when she was chosen to serve on this committee.
Amina trained tirelessly. She was taught the art of warfare. She learned to win a war with strategies and planning and so learned to use her leadership skills. Her Father, King Nikatau, recognized her incredible skills and seeing her tremendous progress; despite her being a girl, made her the leader of the cavalry.
One day, a neighboring kingdom faced the Zazzau army on the battleground. They were shocked to see a young girl at the helm of affairs of the Zazzau's calvary. They laughed at the irony of it all. A young girl wielding a sword to fight against male warriors who were fierce and skilled in warfare.
The war would be won. They thought. It would be a piece of cake.
But Amina knew her day had come. She had the opportunity to put to use all she had been taught. She also had her strategies mapped out in her mind. She would make her father proud. And this she did.
Amina, with her army of fierce warriors, outsmarted and outmaneuvered the invaders. They defeated them swiftly.
The legend of Amina's bravery was established from that day on. She and her army became a formidable force and her fame spread far and wide.
When King Nikitau died, her brother Prince Karami took his rightful position as Emir. Amina stood by his side, leading her famous cavalry and bringing home tremendous victories from the battlefield.
Not long after King Karami died the reign of Zazzau Emirate fell on the shoulders of Amina. She ascended the throne as Queen of the Emirate taking her place at the head of the Kingdom, putting to full use all that she had learnt over the years.
Her Victories And Contributions
Amina, via her victories on the field of battle, took possession of many regions around her. She subdued kingdoms in the then-northern region from Nupe to Kwarafa.
Amina wasn't just a warrior; she was also a visionary. The trade routes she paved helped to enhance trade between Zazzau, the cities she conquered that now belonged to her, and other regions and cities within the northern area of Nigeria and beyond it. She encouraged the cultivation of kola nuts and these became a huge source of income for Zazzau and the northern regions. She was given tributes by many conquered kings. She is said to have changed the name of Zazzau into its current name Zaria which was the name of her younger sister.
Overwhelmed with the task of protecting her people and her kingdom from future invasions which was common at the time, she embarked on a monumental project creating the Great Wall of Zazzau, which is also known as the Amina's Wall. It stretched for miles and stood as a symbol of her determination and leadership. It surrounded all of the towns she possessed and some of her symbolic walls still stand in parts of Hausa land even to date.
Her Legacies As A Queen
Amina's reign was a shining example of bravery, wisdom, and valor. Her people loved her and her enemies feared her. She was not only a warrior but also a protector and a builder. Amina's legacy lives on, not only in the stories told around campfires, in the classroom, or in documentaries and movies made in her honor but also in the hearts of young girls who dream of being fearless leaders.
Her tale reminds us that with courage and determination, anyone can rise above expectations and become a hero in their own right. It also edifies the essence of hard work and tenaciousness.
Queen Amina died childless at the age of Seventy-seven in Agarafa, which is today's Idah.
A statue sculptured with her on a horse wielding a sword stands in front of the National Theater in Lagos, Nigeria honoring her contributions to Nigerian history and also to that of Africa.
Meet Another Courageous African Queen
Now that you've been introduced to the incredible Queen Amina of Zazzau, our journey is just beginning. I hope you learned a few vital lessons from her life.
Get ready for more adventures, inspiration, and history, all wrapped up in the stories of these remarkable women who defied the odds.