Amina- Warrior Queen of Zazzua.

 

Queen Amina of Zazzua was born in 1533 to King Nikatua, the 22^nd ruler of Zazzua and Queen Bakwa of Turunku. Zazzua is a city in present-day Northern Nigeria, called Zaria (named after her younger sister). Amina also had a brother, Karami, who took over the throne after the death of their parents (thought to be around 1566).

Zazzua was one of seven of the Hausa states and was also the largest before Amina took over the throne, it’s large slave hub contributed to its wealth and future success. The other six states were Daura, Kano, Gobir, Katsina, Rano, and Garun Gabas

Growing up, Amina showed a strong interest in military and combat skills. She soon became very skilled at this, and is how she earned herself the name Amina, meaning “Woman as capable of man”. She is said to have been bought up in her grandfather’s court, where he educated her on political and military matters.

Amina led an army of about 20,000 men and never lost a battle. She was highly respected by her soldiers and regarded highly throughout the kingdom. People spoke of her brilliance and leadership qualities, which she put to use when she was crowned Queen of Zazzau after her brother’s death.

Amina’s family had always traded in leather goods, horses, salt, kola nuts and metals. She introduced kola nut cultivation to the region and created trade routes throughout the Saharan Region, which ensured the safety of her people while travelling. This led to Hausaland becoming a wealthy and bustling trade hub. Amina also fortified Zazzua by constructing fortified walls, which can still be seen today in modern-day Zaria. The expansion of her territory contributed to the success of safe trade routes.

An accurate history of Amina has been partly clouded by folklore and the passage of tales throughout generations. But it is not difficult for one to see that Amina was known as an intelligent and fearless leader. One of many African women in history seldom spoken of in the modern-day.