Synopsis
"Kamala Speaks" is the official autobiography of James "Kamala" Harris, the WWE wrestler known as the silent, fearsome "Ugandan Giant" who portrayed a wild, painted savage character throughout much of his three-decade career in professional wrestling. Co-written with Kenny Casanova, the book offers a candid, first-person account of Harris's remarkable life journey, beginning with his humble and challenging upbringing in rural Mississippi.
It details his unlikely path into wrestling, including key early influences and training opportunities, his rise through various promotions, and his experiences traveling the world while working in the gritty, often exploitative underbelly of the industry. Harris openly discusses facing severe racism, personal tragedies such as encounters with murder, and the highs and lows of stardom alongside legendary figures, all while maintaining the silent persona that defined his in-ring character.
The narrative takes a poignant turn as it covers his later years battling severe diabetes, which ultimately led to the amputation of both legs above the knees, transforming the story into one of resilience, inspiration, and overcoming profound adversity. Filled with touching anecdotes, humor, insight, never-before-seen photos, and contributions from wrestling personalities like Jim Ross, Mick Foley, and others, the memoir serves as both a tell-all wrestling exposé and an uplifting testament to perseverance rather than a bitter recounting.
Originally published around 2015 with later editions, it also functioned in part as a fundraiser to help offset Harris's medical costs. Overall, the book provides a raw, humanizing look behind the larger-than-life gimmick at the man who rarely spoke in the ring but had plenty to say once given the platform.