Ali Fondo left Kenya eight years ago in search of fame and fortune.
Now the 30-year-old, who is from a village outside the coastal city of Mombasa, is traveling the world as a troupe leader for the Mapapa African Acrobats, appearing this week at the 97th annual Pima County Fair.
The troupe combines Lingala music with an act that includes human pyramids, hoop diving, chair balancing and other acrobatic feats.
Since leaving Kenya, Fondo has performed in China, Singapore, Thailand, India, Germany, Greece, Mexico and Canada.
While on its United States tour, the troupe has also performed at Disneyland, Disney World and with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
When he was growing up, Fondo said, he learned gymnastics and acrobatics while attending high school. He then started to perform at hotels and talent competitions around the country.
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"Most of our economy is based on tourism," said Fondo, who beat out more than 600 people who auditioned to join the troupe. "There are so many people out there who like to be entertained."
After seeing a show last week at the fairgrounds, Sahuarita resident Janice Gay said the performance "wowed everyone."
"It's amazing to see the enthusiasm in their show and to see their potential," she said. "It's amazing, too, because they're not using very much in the show except their bodies. . . . They seem to pick each other up with such ease."
That comes with a lot of practice, usually through various exercises, including jumping rolls, push-ups and walking around on their hands, Fondo said.
"The kids seem to love them," said Annetteka Thompson, who works as an entertainment liaison for the fair and has traveled with the troupe. "They bring a lot of energy to everything they do . . . and they do it all with amazing smiles."
The six members of the group often send money back home to their families to help with food and clothing expenses and home repairs and to help feed livestock.
"I feel really good about myself. It makes me feel like I'm making something of myself," said Paris Mumba, 25, assistant troupe leader. "The greatest compliment though is when people say 'thank you' and 'God bless you.' That makes me feel really good."
Fondo, who plans to audition for the NBC reality competition show "America's Got Talent," wants to help family members in his native country and also inspire others.
He hasn't been back to Kenya since 1999, but Fondo plans to visit home again this year.
"I want to make it there and show kids they can do it," said Fondo, who lists Fox's "American Idol" as his other favorite TV show. "I want to tell people everywhere to follow their dreams. They can be anything with hard practice."
If you go
The Pima County Fair runs through Sunday at the Pima County Fairgrounds.
• Where: 11300 S. Houghton Road.
• Admission: $7; $2 ages 6-10; free 5 and under.
• Parking: $5.
• Main gate opens: 11 a.m. weekdays.
• Carnival: 2 p.m. on weekdays.
• Web site: pimacountyfair.com.
Today
• Mapapa African Acrobats: Daily shows at 2:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. across from Club Corona and near Old Pueblo Hall at the Pima County Fairgrounds.
• KLOVE Christian Karaoke at 4, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at Central Park.
• Register by 6 p.m. for the No Limit Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament inside Pima Hall.
• Bureau of Land Management registration for the Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
