While Sundiata was living in exile, his griot, Balla Fasseke, remained at the court of the notorious king Soumaoro Kante. Known for his formidable power, Soumaoro's city of Sosso is heavily fortified and seemingly unbeatable. His palace stands as a towering seven-story structure at the heart of the city. On the top floor, he stores his fetishes—magical charms that are believed to be the source of his dark power. Soumaoro Kante has successfully conquered all neighboring territories, including the land of Mali.

One day, Balla Fasseke accidentally enters the room where these fetishes are kept. The floor is covered with human skins and the room is filled with the severed heads of nine kings whom Soumaoro had defeated. A massive snake, owls, and bizarre weaponry also occupy the space. Within this eerie setting, the griot discovers a magical balafon, or xylophone, and begins to play it, infusing the macabre chamber with life. Soumaoro, sensing that his xylophone has been played, rushes to the room intending to kill the intruder. However, as the king approaches, Balla Fasseke improvises a song in honor of the sorcerer king. Soumaoro is so delighted by the performance that he decides to make Balla Fasseke his personal griot.

The tyrannical king continues his campaign of conquest, ruling with fear. In a shocking act of betrayal, Soumaoro abducts the wife of his own nephew and chief general, Fakoli Koroma. Outraged, Fakoli vows revenge, and men from various lands oppressed by Soumaoro respond to his call for battle. As Dankaran Touman attempts to join the rebellion, Soumaoro invades Mali again. Dankaran flees, allowing his villages to be ravaged and the capital city of Niani to be reduced to ashes. Soumaoro declares himself the king of Mali. Despite this, some villagers recall the prophecy of the soothsayer and form resistance groups loyal to the foretold king of Mali, Sundiata. Yet, no one knows where the exiled king can be found.