Africa: Significant People

Question 1

Sundiata Keita

Answer 1

Sundiata Keita was a West African ruler from the Mali Empire who lived in the 1200s. He is famous for founding the Mali Empire, one of the largest and most powerful empires of its time. He is also known for his military prowess, uniting many of the tribes of West Africa and becoming a great ruler and conqueror. His reign was prosperous, and he is remembered as one of the most powerful and influential African leaders of all time.

Question 2

Mansa Musa

Answer 2

Mansa Musa was the tenth emperor of the Mali Empire, ruling from 1312-1337 CE. He is known for his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 CE, during which he brought enormous amounts of gold, which he used to finance the building of mosques, universities, and other projects in West Africa. He also expanded the Mali Empire and strengthened the economy through his successful campaigns.

Question 3

Asika Muhammad

Answer 3

Asika Muhammad was a prominent Nigerian scholar, teacher and social reformer who lived in the 19th century. He was an advocate for the Islamic education of women and is credited with introducing and popularizing the practice of Hijab among Nigerian Muslim women. He was also a proponent of the Islamic revival movement, which sought to bring traditional Islamic culture and values back into prominence in Nigeria. He also fought against the British colonization of Nigeria and campaigned for the establishment of an independent Nigerian state.

Question 4

Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba

Answer 4

Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba was a powerful African queen who ruled the two kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba in what is now modern-day Angola. She led the fight against Portuguese colonization in the 17th century and is remembered for her savvy diplomatic skills. She gained control of Ndongo in 1624 after a lengthy civil war, and quickly set about organizing her kingdom’s defense against the Portuguese. She established alliances with other African nations and even sent diplomatic missions to Europe in an attempt to win recognition and support from foreign powers. Her legacy as one of the most successful African rulers of the pre-colonial era is celebrated to this day.