The Empire of Songhai was originally part of the Mali Empire. Before emerging as a powerful entity in its own right, Songhai was a region under the influence of Mali, which dominated West Africa from the 13th to 16th centuries. The Songhai people initially lived as subjects of the Mali Empire, which greatly influenced their culture, trade practices, and political structures.
As the Mali Empire began to decline in the 15th century, the Songhai kingdom gradually grew in strength and territory. Under rulers like Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad, Songhai expanded significantly, eventually overtaking the remnants of Mali and becoming one of the largest empires in African history. This transition marks a critical point in West African history, showcasing how one empire can evolve from and eventually surpass another.