​Journey to 14th-century West Africa to explore the life of Mansa Musa (King of Kings), the legendary ruler of the vast and powerful Mali Empire. Widely considered one of the wealthiest people to have ever lived, Musa's incredible story is a testament to the sophistication and immense power of Black African civilization during the Middle Ages.
​This episode of Mtu Awali highlights Mansa Musa's greatest accomplishments:
​Unrivaled Wealth: Learn how the Mali Empire's control of the lucrative gold and salt trade gave Musa an unimaginable fortune.
​The Legendary Hajj: Discover the story of his famous 1324 pilgrimage to Mecca. Traveling with a colossal entourage and distributing so much gold that he caused an inflation crisis in Egypt, Musa literally put his African kingdom on the map for the rest of the world.
​A Center for Learning: Explore how he used his wealth and influence to transform cities like Timbuktu and Gao into global centers of Islamic scholarship, culture, and architecture—making them beacons of Black excellence and intellectual achievement.
​A Black Legacy: Understand the lasting impact of Mansa Musa's reign on African history and why his story is crucial for recognizing the richness and heritage of the continent.