“Come One, Come All” to a circus full of soul, that’s what 13 year old Isaiah Chavis did and chose to share his experience at the UniverSoul Circus with you through Brand Newz. The UniverSoul Circus was created in 1994, by Cedric Walker, Founder, President and CEO. Prior to the UniverSoul Circus Walker was no stranger to producing big events.  Being a very successful promoter, he was the man behind Hip Hop and R&B tours such as the Slammin 88 tour with co-head liners Keith Sweat and Salt ‘n Pepa that aslo included Heavy D and the Boyz, Tony-Tony-Tone, Johnny “Just Got Paid” Kemp, Guy, Kid ‘n Play and more. But Walker began to notice some signs that let him know that the music, the business and climate with the audiences were changing. The purity in the events were leaving and he decided to bow out gracefully at the top of his success. A lot of his peers thought he was crazy, especially when he returned later to introduce his unique vision.

Walker’s vision was to showcase various talents of black performers under a big top, a circus big top! Walker wanted to break the stereotypes associated with most black performers like their ability to only sing and dance, he wanted to showcase what black performers had to offer but where would we find such performers Walker, asked himself.

Walker and his team came up with a rather unique idea; they wanted to create a circus event that presented a wide spectrum of black talent so they attempted to reach deep into the African-America culture for the talent and skills that seemed to lay dormant in the black entertainment arena where so many of us run to support.

Walker vision began in libraries, first researching black entertainment from the turn of the century, until today, were they found research indicating that a black circus had been in existence in 1893. After reading the few articles on the 1893, African-American circus, Walker made the decision to create a full-blown big top circus. He envisioned hip-hop musicals, a return to vaudeville and animal acts.

“We had to find black circus performers. But where would we find them? How could we express our culture through circus arts? In what form or forum would the presentation take place? Walker says, “Well, as the saying goes, if you take the first step Providence moves in. All sorts of things happen in your favor. “

While walking through a Black Expo a few weeks later, Walker attention was captured by one particular booth with a sign that read: OF BLACKS AND CIRCUS RINGS. At last the answer to his problems, Walker couldn’t believe what he was seeing. This vendor had artifacts, pictures, videos and in-depth knowledge of African-American contributions to the circus industry.

The vendor shared a wealth of knowledge and contacts with us. He led us to Prince BoJino, one of the first black lion tamers. He helped Walker to organize training for all of their animal acts. He introduced them to legendary black performers who helped to make the vision reality soon the idea took on a life of its own. People seemed to be overwhelmed by the concept so they sent an international call to other black circus performers. In 1993, recruiting, training and production began in.

The first show gained no revenue. But the idea was a huge success. Although Walker gained the supports of sponsors, few really believed in his vision, so his own money financed the majority of the million-dollar production. UniverSoul celebrated great success and turned the circus industry upside down in 1994 when Walker’s dream of “Hip Hop under the Big Top” turned into a reality in the parking lot of Atlanta Fulton County Stadium. Despite a prosperous first season, enthusiastic crowds and rave reviews encouraged Walker and company to continue operations. By 1997 the circus tour had grown to 10 cities, 19 cities in 1999, 31 cities in 2000, toured South Africa 2001– its first international destination, and 32 cities in 2005.

UniverSoul Circus is incorporated out of Atlanta, Georgia, by Founder and CEO, Cedric Walker, VP, Paula Murphy, VP, Cynthia Walker and VP, Jackie Davis. The UniverSoul Circus has been around for 14 years now; they have over 75 performers from various countries including: USA, Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Colombia, Dominican Republic, China, Cuba, Russia and Brazil. Some of the crowd’s favorites include: Robert Dunn, a.k.a. Onionhead, Stilt Walkers and Limbo King, The Willy Family, Ricardo, Porcelain Dolls, Quick Change, Dirty South Connections, China Soul Flyers, Soul Pups and the Pizza Posse.

They offer over 12 acts ranging from Clowns, Trapeze, Motorcycle Daredevils, Break Dancing, Acrobats, Bicycle Daredevils, Magical Illusions, Dogs, Lions, Tigers, Elephants, Stilt Walkers, Caribbean Limbo Dancers, and more.

“Hip Hop under the Big Top” is mastered by Ringmaster Anthony Luewellyn a.k.a. “Tony Tone,” of Memphis, Tennessee. Tone’s hysterical comedic impressions have earned him frequent appearances on HBO Def Comedy Jam and BET Comic View. What is a ringmaster without a side kick? Zeke is Tony Tone’s exciting, high energized, upbeat sidekick from Cleveland.

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