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Kamala: Former Mid-South Wrestling Star Takes On Toughest Opponent Ever

Posted: Mar 13th 2012 By: CMBurnham

In the 1980's and early 90's, James Harris was one of the most colorful characters in wresting, "I was always very aggressive because I want to make the fans believe I was from Africa."

To some he was the Ugandan Giant, but for most he was "Kamala." "To myself I was an entertainer, but to the fans I was a wrestler."

He was a wrestler known for his bouts at the Mid-South Coliseum to Wembley Stadium in England facing off against Hulk Hogan, Jake Roberts, the Undertaker and, he even body slammed Andre the Giant.

"After I body slammed him I was so surprised of the spot I was (he beats his chest), didn't know what to do. The fans went crazy? Yes, they did."

Some fans loved his persona of wearing African make up and a loin cloth, but he admits others didn't.

"I might have been a little bit of a disgrace to the blacks, but I was just concerned about making a few dollars, but I didn't want to hurt any nationality."

But today the real man without the makeup lives in Senatobia, Mississippi.

He walked out of the ring in 1993 to become a truck driver because he said his then WWF opponents like "The Undertaker" were making a fortune and he wasn't.

"The undertaker, he didn't tell me himself, he made half a million dollars and I made $13,000 and I don't think that was fair."

But his biggest battle in life was yet to come.

"Back in October I went into the hospital and I had to go on dialysis."

His opponent wasn't a wrestler. It was complications from high blood pressure and diabetes.

To make matters worse, the once fearless Kamala would eventually have to have his leg amputated.

"I had a few times that I shed a few tears about it, but i never questioned God."

His faith was never shaken because of the support he received from his wife, Jean, "I don't want him to ever give up on himself because I won't give up on him. So, we got to fight together because God will always be with us."

These days he's still hears from his wrestling fans via email and many have learned he has another talent outside the ring. They're going online to buy the music he records in his home.

"I ain't going to let you drive me from my home. I can't live like that. You keep holding me back. I can't live like that. Is that enough? We got another career here? I'm a little too old for another career."

Even though James Harris now uses a wheelchair and he's learning to use a prosthetic leg, he says he's got a message for his fans.

"Don't think of me as oh, please help me. I want them to think of me as uplifting. That's the way I want them to think of me."

He says he's comfortable with his new life as a husband, father and grandfather, but he says deep down inside he is still the Ugandan Giant.

"I am Kamala. I'm alive and well (beats his chest)."

You can contact Harris by going to Facebook.com and search for James Kamala Harris.