Faama is a Mandinka word meaning "king".Niane, D.T: "Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali". Longman, 1995 It was commonly used within the area of pre-imperial Mali. The title spread into areas conquered by Mali and was later used by the Bamana Empire and the Wassoulou Empire of Samori Toure and non-Mandinka groups in the Kenedougou Empire.… (More on Faama)