The Songhai Empire was one of the most powerful states in Africa during the 15th and 16th centuries. It emerged in the western Sudan region, in what is now modern-day Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. The empire’s rise to prominence was greatly influenced by its strategic control over the trans-Saharan trade routes, particularly in gold and salt.

The origins of the Songhai Empire can be traced back to the Kingdom of Gao, which was established around the 7th century AD. Gao was initially a small trading settlement along the Niger River, but it gradually expanded its influence over neighboring territories. By the 11th century, Gao had become a significant regional power.

It is this epic historical journey of the Empire, which inspired the name Songhai Design – a seat where past and modern days mix to produce cultural items and artifacts with a deep significance and princely stature.