James grew up in Senatobia, Mississippi where he led a troubled youth. Dropping out of school led him to become a petty theft until he was kicked out of town. At age 25, he relocated to Michigan and met wrestler Bobo Brazil who kick-started his wrestling career.
Sadly after his wrestling career was over he ran into many health problems, mainly due to diabetes, and had to have both his legs amputated. Unfortunately, in 2020 he contracted the COVID virus and passed away shortly after.
Twitter Handle: @KamalaSpeaks
Kamala WWE Career
WWF Debut: 1984
Retired: 2010
Main Character: Kamala
Resides From: Uganda, Africa
Manager(s): Kim Chee, Harvey Wippleman, Mr. Fuji
Alter Egos: Bad News Harris, Jim Harris, Kimala, Sugar Bear Harris, Ugly Bear Harris, Mississippi Mauler, Superfly
Finisher: Air Africa, Kamala Splash
Signature Moves: Belly Slap, Overhead Chop, Savate Kick
Gimmick: Kamala was billed as the “Ugandan Giant”, a simple-minded man who needed to be controlled by his trainers. He wore a loincloth and had body paint, most notable was the yellow moon painted on his big belly which he routinely slapped out of delight.
Career Summary: If you grew up in the eighties watching wrestling Kamala was one of the more memorable characters of the era. The Ugandan Giant was entertaining and unique, to say the least. What made him stand out besides his face and body paint was his sheer size. The man was a monster 6 ft 7 and 380 lbs but he had decent agility for a big man and would routinely pull off the leapfrog move over his opponents. His gimmick was amazing and really made his career as his wrestling ability was very limited. Overall Kamala’s character was very entertaining. He had a few phobias which would send him running in fear. He was terrified of the Undertaker’s coffin, the sight of Paul Bearer and Jake Roberts’s snake.
Kamala WWF Stats
Overall Record
Wins: 213 (52%)
Losses: 188 (45%)
Draws: 12 (3%)
Opponent Stats
Most Wins Vs – Brooklyn Brawler (38-)
Most Losses Vs – Hulk Hogan (2-1-39)
Most Notable Wrestlers He Defeated
King Kong Bundy
Jake “The Snake” Roberts
Tito Santana
Kamala Action Figure Checklist
1984: LJN Wrestling Superstars, Series 4
1992: Hasbro WWF, Series 7
2000: Figures Toy Company, Legends of Wrestling, Series 10
2006: Jakks Pacific, WWE Classic Superstars, Series 9
2010: Matel, WWE Legends, Series 2
2016: Matel, WWE Elite Collection, Lost Legends
Wrestling Video Games With Kamala
WWE Legends of Wrestlemania
- Released: 2009
- Gaming Systems: Xbox 360, Playstation 3
- Match Types: Singles, Tag Team, Triple Threat, Steel Cage, Ladder, Submission, Iron Man, Handicap Match, Hell in a Cell, Royal Rumble
Game Pros
- Over-the-top graphics really bring an old-school arcade feel to the game
- The roster includes all the old-time greats including Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Iron Shiek, Roddy Roddy Piper, and many more
WWF Rage In The Cage
- Released: 1993
- Gaming Systems: Sega CD
- Match Types: Singles, Tournament, No Holds Brawl, Steel Cage Match
Game Pros
- Steel cage matches
- A roster that includes some of the more unique wrestlers you will find in a video game like the Headshrinkers and Tatanka
Kamala Merchandise
A selection of the best Kamala-related gifts and merchandise we could find around the web.
The official autobiography of James Harris the man who portrayed Kamala. The true-life story of a man who overcame some tragic events in his life to find great success in the WWF only to deal with more sad health-related issues post-career. It is an inspirational story even if you were not a wrestling fan in the eighties when Kamala was most popular.
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