Original: In the late 7th century , North and East Africa were heavily influenced by the spread of Islam , which eventually led to the appearance of new cultures such as those of the Swahili people in East Africa , and powerful kingdoms including the Songhai Empire in the sub-saharan west .
Simplified: In the late 7th century North and East Africa were heavily influenced by the spread of Islam . That lead to the appearance of new cultures such as those of the Swahili people .