Roots

My roots spread from The Gambia (Kiang), Senegal (Bajo Kunda) and Mali (?); and originated from the ancient Ghana Empire, which was located in present-day Mauritania and Mali.

Mandinka

Mandinka, also known as Manding or Mandingo, is a West African ethnic group with a population of approximately 11 million. They are primarily found in countries such as The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso.

The Mandinka language, also known as Manding or Mandingo, is a tonal language and is the principal language of the Mandinka people. It belongs to the Manding branch of the Niger-Congo language family and is spoken by approximately 10 million people.

The Mandinka people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their music, dance, and oral traditions. They have a strong tradition of griot storytelling, which involves the transmission of historical and cultural knowledge through song and poetry.

Origin

The Mandinka people are believed to have originated from the ancient Ghana Empire, which was located in present-day Mauritania and Mali. They were part of the larger Mande ethnic group, which also includes the Soninke, Wolof, and Bambara peoples.

Over time, the Mandinka people migrated eastward, establishing themselves in present-day Senegal and Gambia. By the 13th century, they had formed the Mali Empire, which was one of the largest and most powerful empires in West Africa.

The Mandinka people continued to migrate and spread throughout West Africa, eventually settling in present-day Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and other countries in the region.

Today, the Mandinka people are found primarily in The Gambia, where they make up approximately 42% of the population, as well as in Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso.

Camara or Kamara Surname

The surname Camara is a common Mandinka surname, particularly among the Malinke sub-group of the Mandinka people. It is also found among other West African ethnic groups such as the Fulani, Soninke, and Wolof.

The origin of the Camara surname is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be of Arabic or Berber origin. Some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Arabic word "qamara," which means "moon." Others suggest that it may be derived from the Berber word "kamara," which means "noble" or "distinguished."

In the Mandinka language, the surname Camara is spelled "Kamara" and is pronounced with a hard "K" sound. It is a common surname among Mandinka families and is often used to identify a person's ethnic and cultural background. Many people with the surname Camara can be found in countries such as The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, and Ivory Coast.