Fasama

Fasama was a consort of Dunama I Umemi, a mai (ruler) of the Kanem–Bornu Empire in the late 11th to mid-12th century. After Dunama's death , Fasama ruled the empire as regent for their son, Biri I Uthman. Fasama commanded great power as regent and appears to have had greater authority than her son, demonstrated by an incident when she had him imprisoned for a year after he meted out an unjust punishment.

== Life == Fasama originally hailed from the Kay (Koyam) tribe of Dirkou. In the late 11th century or early 12th century, Fasama became a consort of mai Dunama I Umemi, a mai (ruler) of the Kanem–Bornu Empire. Her marriage to mai Dunama may have served to re-strengthen the ties between the Kay and Kanem; the mother of Dunama's father Hummay had also been of Kay origin. Fasama was the mother of Dunama's heir, Biri I Uthman.