Circus Mama Africa Snake Man of the African Circus

Tanzania has a long storied history of a thriving Acrobatics culture, December 2013 Circus Mama Africa appeared on Broadway with the show Umlingo under the direction of Winston Ruddle also known as Papa Africa the father of the African Circus.

Top photo: Winston Ruddle is also known as Papa Africa
Middle and bottom photos: Circus Mama Africa Performances 

Acrobatics is the performance of amazing acts of balance, speed, flexibility, and motor coordination. Tanzania has a long storied history of a thriving Acrobatics culture. 

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in particular contains countless acrobatics clubs across the city. Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's capital city and the largest city in the East African country. Just like many cities throughout Africa, festivals are important cultural events, most future acrobatics were inspired by acrobats performing in different festivals. 

Some children also learn the trade while living on the streets performing to make money to survive. Tanzanian Acrobatics are famous throughout the world and music is an integral part of the performance. 

Baba wa Watoto, Swahili for father of children, dance group performed at the National Museum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, July 1, 2013, for US First Lady Michelle Obama and Salma Kikwete, along with daughters Malia and Sasha. 

December 2013 Circus Mama Africa appeared on Broadway with the show Umlingo. January 2015 Circus Mama Africa toured again with her show Kayelitsha, a Xhosa name meaning “new home". 

The real Khayelitsha Township is located in the Western Cape South Africa. Khayelitsha has a storied history beginning as a tent city for people escaping violence growing into a thriving town. 

Winston Ruddle also is known as Papa Africa the father of the African Circus is a Zimbabwean born German Citizen and Tanzania resident is the founder of Circus Mama Africa. 

Originally founded in Tanzania, Circus Mama Africa started as an acrobatic school in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam in 2003, but has since grown to be home to many of Africa’s most notable Acrobatic circus acts including the Snake Man. 

The Snake Man has the body of a snake and face of a human folding himself into unimaginable positions. The school also trains acrobats, aerialists, contortionists, clowns, and magicians.