Fara Camara is a professional percussionist and teaching artist from Guinea, West Africa. As an ethnic Malinké and Kissi, Fara grew up learning the traditional rhythms (many of which are the most well-known and beloved throughout the world today). He is proficient in several West African percussion instruments: djembe, sangban, kenkini, doundoun, and krin. Before he moved to the United States, Fara was the lead Sangbanföla in Percussions de Guinée—the national percussion ensemble—with which he toured. He also directed, managed, and performed with his own three percussion ensembles: Fara Percussions (a performance ensemble), Groupe de Fara (a smaller group which plays for Malinké ceremonies in and around Conakry; namely Dembadon celebrations), and Association de Manding (a group of percussionists and dancers specializing in the traditional Doundounba rhythm and dance). Fara has performed and studied with some of the most celebrated Guinean percussionists: Fadouba Oularé, Coungbana, Lancei Konté, and Ali Sylla, to name a few. Throughout his career, Fara has earned a reputation for his vast knowledge of rhythms, his precise and evocative style of playing, and his infectious passion and respect for the music and culture of Guinea.