Yahaya Kamate is a native of the Ivory Coast. As a former member of the National Ballet of the Ivory Coast, he first came to the United States to honor his country by touring with the ballet in 1994. In 1997, he established himself in the Sunshine State. Kamate performed at Busch Gardens, the Animal Kingdom, and Epcot Center for two years before coming back to New York and the tri-state area where he teaches in both public and private schools. He practices African Dance, Drumming, Modern Dance, and Ballet. Currently, he is an instructor at Alvin Ailey, a performer and dance teacher at Friends Academy, and a Teaching Artist with Bronx Arts Ensemble.