Aissata Camara, nicknamed "Commandant," is an illustrious Guinean actress-comedian from Kankan. Having never attended school during the colonial era, she carved out a special place in Guinea's cultural landscape by developing her own unique style of French in comedy. Initially a traditional dancer and pioneer of "Goumbé" in her native region, she successively joined the theatrical troupes Sabou and then Benso Sodia in Conakry after marrying a military man.
For more than three decades, she shined in many popular films such as "Nioumagbè," "Dyélimankan," and "N'tamagno," participated in international tours particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso, and collaborated with renowned artists like Sékouba Bambino Diabaté. Today a widow and mother of one living son, this emblematic figure of Guinean theater lives in precarious conditions, appealing to authorities for recognition of her contribution to the national cultural heritage.
Introduction
Aissata Camara, affectionately nicknamed "Commandant," is an emblematic figure in Guinean theater. Born in Kankan, she is the daughter of the late Moussa and Sayon Camara. Widowed from military man Sékou Kourouma (class of '62), this actress-comedian is mother to two sons, only one of whom is still living.
Beginnings Rooted in Tradition
Having missed the opportunity for formal education during the colonial period, Aissata nonetheless developed a passion for the French language. This lack of academic training paradoxically pushed her toward comedy, where she developed her own unique style of "French" that won over Guinean audiences.
Her artistic career began very early with dance. In Kankan, she was one of the pioneers in popularizing "Goumbé," a traditional dance that enjoyed immense success in the region. She belonged to the same group as future Guinean celebrities like the late Siaka Diabaté (nicknamed "Siaka kudunin") of Bembeya Jazz National and Mory Keita.
From Local Theater to the National Stage
After joining the Sogbè neighborhood theater troupe, Aissata joined Kankan's federal troupe, where she specialized in folklore. Her participation in a national festival in Conakry marked an important milestone in her career.
After her marriage, she settled in Conakry at Camp Alpha Yaya. Nadoua Bangaly, founder of several important troupes, noticed her talent and invited her to join the "Sabou" troupe. After five years with this formation, she became a member of "Benso Sodia," born from a merger with "Sabou." It was with this troupe that she consolidated her reputation and developed her acting talent over more than three decades.
Career Rich in Success
Aissata Camara has distinguished herself in numerous films that have marked the Guinean cultural landscape: "Nioumagbè," "Dyélimankan," "N'tamagno," and many others. With the Benso Sodia troupe, she has undertaken numerous national and international tours, particularly to Mali and Burkina Faso, where their shows were highly successful.
Among her most memorable experiences, she recalls her first tour to Bamako, from which she returned with thirty basin fabric outfits, whereas she had only two when she departed. This anecdote symbolizes for her the validation of her art.
Versatile and In-Demand Artist
Beyond traditional theater, Aissata Camara has established herself in various audiovisual productions. She is regularly sought after for music videos by renowned artists, such as Sékouba Bambino Diabaté's "Koro ta sila." She has also acted in feature films, some partially shot in Côte d'Ivoire, as well as in awareness-raising sketches on current issues.
Difficult End of Career
Despite her significant contributions to Guinean culture, Aissata Camara now lives in precarious conditions. She resides with her second son who, in addition to his six children, also provides for the ten children of his deceased older brother.
The artist makes a poignant appeal to authorities, particularly to the president of the transition, General Mamady Doumbouya, as well as to cultural sector officials, to provide assistance to veteran artists like herself who have devoted their lives to enriching Guinea's cultural heritage but now find themselves in a situation of great precariousness.
Aissata Camara remains a national pride and a living testimony to Guinea's cultural richness, deserving recognition and support for her invaluable contributions to Guinean art.
