nly son of Mariama Nanky, Kéléfa Sané was born from a union of father Kaabunké and mother Beafada. Originally from Gabou, he was among the most emblematic figures of his region (Senegambia).
His strength, his courage, his honor and his dignity made him one of the most feared warlords of his time throughout the Senegambian region.
His status as a warlord allowed him to fight outside the borders of Gaabu. Thus, he will fight as far as Baria, a bastion never conquered at the time by Mansa Demba, king of Niomi-Berendi.
One day the latter received in his court a korist griot from Kaabu. The first night, the chorist sang the praises of Mansa Demba but at the end of his performance, he mentioned the name of Kéléfa Sané. Surprised, the king asked the koriste “who is this man you sing about in my court? Is he stronger than me? ". the koriste replied that "you are a well and Kéléfa a bolong". Very furious, he ordered the griot not to do it again.
The second night, the koriste began to sing again and at the end he sang Kelafa's praises again. Very furious, he put his first question to the ko-player in a much more severe tone; this time the latter answered him: "you are a bolong and Kéléfa an ocean". By the attitude of the griot, King Mansa Demba began to wonder about the strength and bravery of the man that his host kept singing praises. So he decided to call him.
Immediately, Mansa Demba sent an emissary to Kéléfa requesting him for military aid in order to conquer Baria until then undefeated.
After receiving the invitation, Kéléfa sent a scout named Moussa Diallo to inspect the site to be attacked. On his arrival, the scout settled in the village of Koular located not far from Baria.
The first having given no further news, Mansa Demba sent a second emissary to Kelafa. The latter still believing himself invincible decided to attack by himself under the urgent solicitations of Mansa Demba.
On the way to Baria, he successively passed by several seer marabouts. The latter assured him, each time, that he was leaving for a path of no return. These remarks hardly deterred Kéléfa Sané who continued on his merry way.
Furthermore, before Kéléfa arrived in Baria, Foula Bouka Ndour, a resident of the village of Baria, also consulted a number of soothsayers/seers. The latter, having realized that no one could reach Kéléfa by arrow or by simple rifle, suggested that he introduce into his rifle a pearl and a tuft of hair from a certain lady called Woury Diallo. Only these elements of this lady residing at Thierno Alassane Sané (Keur Alassane village in Gambia) could neutralize the warlord.
In addition, Mansa Demba, king of Niomi Bérendi did the same and consulted several marabouts who confirmed to him that Kéléfa was going to lose his life in this battle. Mansa Demba, not wanting his friend to be a victim, decided to fight the battle alone before Kéléfa arrived. Not having obtained victory against the inhabitants of Baria, the king took the way back. Unfortunately, he did not meet Kéléfa because the latter passed through the tann of Korolé (tann of misfortune) to enter the village.
On his arrival, Kéléfa was seen by women from the village who were catching fish at the level of the bolong. The latter hastened to inform all the villagers of the presence of enemies armed on horseback and dressed in red outfits.
Knowing that they had been seen, Kelefa and his Kelefa troop hid behind the mangroves waiting for nightfall so they could attack.
At dawn Kéléfa and his troop surrounded the village but they were seen by the wife of Foula Bouka Ndour who was throwing garbage. The lady informed her husband, who in turn introduced the mixture suggested by the marabouts into his gun and shot Kéléfa.
When the latter was hit, the goat's horn that served as a gray gray around his head, came off and the warlord fell to the ground. This horn, better known as "Kanalang Bino", took the road to Gabou. Arrived in Badora precisely in the village of Birkama (…), the horn entered the room of Mariama Nanki (mother of Kéléfa); a way of telling him of the death of his son.
Another thesis points out that some villagers would have ambushed him at the entrance to the village. When he entered Baria, a villager threw a rope at him and he was hanged as his horse ran away.
Moments later, rumors of the death of a Guelwar circulated to different lands. Also, the scout, Moussa Diallo, who had been staying in Koular for more than a year, moved to Baria where he found the one who had sent him dead.
Instagram : zeccculture
Email. [email protected]