About Fode Moussa Camara

Fode Moussa Camara was born into an artistic family in Conakry, Guinea, West Africa. His musical talent was discovered by the age of five, at which time he began his formal training with instruments of the djembe orchestra, the traditional drum family of Guinea. He was regarded as a prodigy by his teachers and claimed leading roles in myriad local productions.

Elder artists throughout Guinea, Senegal and Mali, regularly sought Fode’s musical contributions. Camara's command of the djembe and other specialized percussion instruments landed him work with the renowned African ballet, Gbassikolo as Musical Director, Fatouabou Percussion as one of the lead drummers and Fareta of Guinea as Artistic Assistant. In 1998 Camara was recruited as Lead Drummer and Musical Director of the National Circus of Guinea, an international touring ensemble.  His affiliation with the circus was interrupted when, after an international search, Camara was recruited to Senegal's Ballet D'Afrique Noire. Fode began a United States, 32-city tour with the ballet as Lead Drummer of the widely acclaimed Mandinka Epic, a dance theater production that told the history of the Mali Empire.

After completing the Mandinka Epic tour Camara began a residency in Richmond Virginia as Lead Drummer, Choreographer, Assistant Musical Arranger and Educator with the Elegba Folklore Society, a cultural arts and education group. His contributions to the organization and to the surrounding community were immeasurable.

Following Mr. Camara’s work with Elegba Folklore Society he began working with Borenya West African Drum and Dance as Artistic Director. The company brought the music and dance of West Africa to myriad schools and communities through performance, workshops and residencies. Mr. Camara was recruited by Laura Rich and Mamoudou Conde to serve as lead drummer for Legends of West Africa, a touring company comprised of exceptional West African artists residing in the USA.