Mamady Camara was born in the African village of Macenta, one of fourteen cities in Guinea, West Africa, located in the southern part of the country. Mamady’s parents worked on a plantation that produced avocados, bananas, coffee, and other crops. Both were salespeople who met while working and fell in love. Mamady is the second youngest of four brothers and one sister. Life in Africa was challenging. Despite difficulties, he remembers his village fondly. Later, his mother moved them to “The Big City,” where he spent most of his youth.
Wontanara Circus – “A Dream is Born”
“What started on the streets of Guinea is now a dream on the world’s stage.”
Mamady became fascinated with acrobatics after watching a neighbor’s son perform. With natural talent and determination, he joined a circus school and performed with UNICEF for tourists in “The Big City.” Though he only earned tips, the joy of performing was deeply fulfilling to him.
Mamady briefly paused his acrobatic journey in 1999 to return to school, but fully committed to his passion in 2000, starting with Circus Baobab. He trained hard, dreaming of performing globally. From 2007 to 2009, he joined the Pan-African Festival’s Africa Africa show, performing on his biggest stage yet. In 2010, he toured internationally with Cirque Mandingue for three years, showcasing his talent across Argentina, France, England, and beyond.
“I want to gift people from my roots in this show, a combination of acrobatics, African sounds, dance, contortionists, human pyramids, an act of celebration, resilience,
unity, and joy”.
In 2014, Mamady was offered a role with Cavalia but faced visa issues, finally joining in 2017 and touring globally until the company closed in 2018. The pandemic led him to reflect on his roots. It inspired him, and a dream was born to create “Wontanara Circus”—a show celebrating African culture, community, and joy through acrobatics, music, and dance, bringing the spirit of his village to audiences worldwide.
“This project means everything to me. I want to give back and help others. Life in Africa was not easy — I couldn’t finish school because I lacked the motivation and support every child needs. I dream of creating a free arts academy for children, providing them with the opportunities I never had.”
Mamady Camara
