Mohamed Camara was born in Guinea Conakry, West Africa, into the Manding family. Growing up surrounded by Guinea's rich and vibrant musical tradition, it became his passion from an early age. At ten years old, Mohamed began an apprenticeship with internationally renowned Guinean master drummer Ton Ton Sylla, studying djembe, dun duns, and song. This lead Mohamed to study with master drummer Aliou Sylla, and to teach students travelling from Europe, America and Australia. Mohamed has performed in many of Guinea’s leading drum and dance ensembles, including Ballet Bolonta, internationally renowned ensemble Les Sorciers de Guinée, directed by Miriam Makeba's percussionist Papa Kouyaté, and was a founding member and djembe leader of Ballet Destin. Mohamed has played djembe for American-based master dancer Alseny Soumah’s Guinean tours, and has studied and performed with Guinea's great master drummer Fadouba Oularé.
Mohamed Camara


Mohamed Camara in Guinee

Since arriving in Australia in 2007, Mohamed has been a highly sought-after teacher and performer of traditional Guinean music. He has performed at the 2008 Black Harmony Gathering, Good Friday Appeal, VISIBLE Concert, and has performed and conducted workshops at various festivals including Woodford Folk Festival, Rhythm of Africa, Manna Gum, Emerge, Beats and Blues, and Rhythm and Rights. Mohamed has been a regular performer at Federation Square's Late Night Thursdays, and has also performed to a packed Telstra Dome for the Socceroos.
Mohamed has featured live on 3MBS and PBS FM radio, as well as Channel 7 and Channel 10 News.

Mohamed has conducted workshops at the Victorian College of the Arts, NMIT and the Victorian Arts Centre's African Village, and currently teaches African drumming at CERES, Clifton Hill Primary School, and Esoteric Gallery in Northcote. Mohamed is a founding member of Melbourne’s exciting West African percussion and dance ensemble Muhanamwé. Meaning "culture" in the traditional Guinean language Susu, Muhanamwé also features Guinean master drummer Aliou Sylla, percussionist Anna Camara and dancer Bobo Ousmane Diallo.

Mohamed is a valuable resource for the traditional music of Guinea, with his extensive repertoire of rhythms and songs. His passion for music, captivating stage presence and connection with audiences and students alike has made him a highly respected musician in both Australia and Guinea.