Mossi people

The Mossi (Mosi), Gur speakers of More, are Burkina Faso itself: 52 percent of the nation, eleven million people of the Volta basin, ringed by Gurunsi, Gurma, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Bissa and Fulani neighbours. Legend says the warrior princess Yennenga rode out of Dagomba and her son Ouédraogo founded Tenkodogo, first of the Mossi kingdoms; Ouagadougou, Yatenga and Fada followed, cavalry states that never took Islam and never fell to Songhai or Mali. The Mogho Naba, emperor at Ouagadougou, still receives Friday homage in a court of praise-singers and masked dancers. Millet farmers and famed migrant workers, the Mossi fill Ivorian plantations and Ouaga's ministries alike. Mask festivals, royal funerals and the Friday customary court keep the kingdoms' memory inside the republic. More is heard in every Ouagadougou taxi and market stall. Gurunsi, Senufo and Bobo neighbours share the Volta festivals. Eleven million Mossi farm the same Volta soils as their grandparents.