Fatou Guinea, whose real name is Fatoumata Kaba, is an actress, entrepreneur, and content creator of Guinean origin, born on September 4, 1995, in Aubervilliers, France. Coming from a middle-class family with a father who was a mathematics teacher and a mother who was a nursing assistant, she first gained recognition on social media through her humorous videos depicting conversations with her mother. She later transitioned into acting, landing roles in the series Validé (Canal+) and the film La Brigade.
With a community of over 750,000 followers on Instagram, she has also become an ambassador for prestigious brands such as L’Oréal Paris. Her entrepreneurial journey took a significant step forward in 2023 with the opening of Djaam, her restaurant in Paris dedicated to African cuisine, as well as the publication of her book Trace ta route. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is actively involved in the fight against harassment and environmental protection, embodying a new generation of influencers who successfully combine commercial success with social commitment.
Introduction
Fatou Guinea, whose real name is Fatoumata Kaba, is a French actress and entrepreneur of Guinean origin who has established herself as a key figure in social media and entertainment. Born on September 4, 1995, in Aubervilliers, she represents a new generation of influencers who combine authenticity, social engagement, and entrepreneurial success.
Early life and Education
Coming from a middle-class family in Seine-Saint-Denis, Fatou Guinea grew up in a multicultural environment that shaped her identity. Her father, a mathematics teacher, and her mother, a nursing assistant, instilled in her strong values and the importance of education. At home, Malinké was the primary language, creating a cultural bridge to her Guinean roots.
A pivotal trip to Guinea at the age of 13 marked a turning point in her self-identity. Being called "the French girl" in her country of origin challenged her sense of belonging, ultimately leading her to embrace her dual culture as a strength rather than a conflict. After obtaining her baccalaureate, she pursued studies in international business, laying the foundation for her future entrepreneurial career.
Career Start
In 2014, Fatou Guinea discovered her passion for acting thanks to a teacher who encouraged her to join a theater group. She performed in several French classics, including Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, Un Fil à la Patte, and Romeo and Juliet. This theatrical experience became the fertile ground for her future acting career.
In 2019, she ventured into content creation on social media. Her humorous videos, particularly those portraying conversations with her Guinean mother with a strong accent, went viral. Her audience grew rapidly, reaching 750,000 followers on Instagram, drawn to her authenticity and culturally inspired humor.
Career as actor
Fatou Guinea’s acting career took off in 2021 when she landed a role in the second season of Validé on Canal+. That same year, she made her debut in voice acting by lending her voice to a character in the animated film Sing 2. Her first big-screen role came with La Brigade, where she starred alongside Audrey Lamy and François Cluzet. She also appeared in Les SEGPA au ski and the OCS series Rictus.
Her rising fame attracted major brands, leading her to become an ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. She participated in the brand’s iconic fashion show under the Eiffel Tower in October 2023. Collaborations with Adidas, Google, and Amazon Prime further expanded her portfolio.
Entrepreneurship
In September 2023, Fatou Guinea fulfilled her entrepreneurial dream by opening Djaam, her restaurant in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. This project, in partnership with the Djaam Fresh Food chain, aims to popularize African cuisine while honoring her heritage. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of traditional West African dishes, adapted to contemporary tastes and various dietary preferences.
Publications
In May 2023, she published her first book, Trace ta route, a 191-page work where she shares her experiences, reflections, and advice for the new generation. The book covers themes such as friendship, love, family, entrepreneurship, and social commitment, highlighting the challenges young people face in the media spotlight.
Social Engagement
Fatou Guinea stands out for her strong social commitment. She actively participates in the fight against all forms of harassment, which led to an invitation to the Élysée Palace in 2021 to engage in a debate with President Emmanuel Macron. Her activism also extends to environmental causes, particularly through her involvement in the On est prêt movement and the Hello Planet festival.
Personal Life
Although highly present on social media, Fatou Guinea maintains a level of discretion regarding her private life. She often emphasizes the crucial role of her family, especially her mother, in shaping her personal and professional journey. Her bicultural identity remains central to her path, influencing both her professional and personal choices.
Conclusion
At just 28 years old, Fatou Guinea embodies a new generation of artist-entrepreneurs who successfully merge content creation, artistic careers, and business ventures. Her journey reflects the changing landscape of French media and the rise of diverse voices. Through her various projects and commitments, she continues to inspire her community while staying true to her roots and values.
