Born during a tumultuous time marked by political instability, Malaika’s mother courageously led the family’s relocation to Uganda three months after her birth. This move was not unprecedented, as her family had previously sought refuge there in 1959 during the genocides against the Tutsi people.
Growing up amidst a family deeply rooted in the arts, she thrived in an environment that nurtured her talents. This foundation led her to engage in talent shows, church performances, and after-school programs that encompassed music, dance, and drama, both in the US and Rwanda.
In 2005, Malaika’s path took a significant turn as she joined Mashirika Performing Arts. This pivotal experience became a crucible for her growth, refining her skills and enriching her identity as an artist.
Residing in Uganda until the age of seven, Malaika’s journey then took her to the United States, where she resided between Los Angeles, California, and Seattle, Washington. The cultural juxtaposition of these experiences enriched her perspective and contributed to her cultural fluency. A pivotal return to Rwanda at the age of 11 marked a new chapter, during which she completed her high school education at Lycee de Kigali, graduating in 2009.
Post-high school, a pivotal year at Aegis Trust and several open mic performance opportunities at Spoken Word Rwanda, paved the way for Malaika to embrace her path as an independent artist. This trajectory gained momentum in 2013 following a striking spoken word performance before dignitaries including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. Recognizing her talents, she was granted a Rwandan Presidential Scholarship, which enabled her to immerse herself in the study of Theatre and Performing Arts at Fordham University in New York City. She graduated in 2017, affirming her dedication to her craft.
In 2018, Malaika’s talents were showcased in Tomas Petkovski’s film, “LoveLess Generation,” a testament to her artistic versatility. The same year saw her excel in the television series “Yankee Hustle,” curated by esteemed creator Tola Olatunji. Here, alongside accomplished actors like Jide Kosoko, Uche Jombo, and Kara Rainer, Malakika’s portrayal of “Princess” resonated profoundly.
Eager to broaden her artistic horizons, Malaika graced the cast of the 2019 film “Our Lady of the Nile,” directed by the renowned Franco-Afghan filmmaker Atiq Rahimi. Her evocative performance showcased her ability to breathe life into characters and further solidified her reputation as an accomplished actress.
Venturing onto the stage, Malaika made a resonant debut in Katori Hall’s “Our Lady of Kibeho,” directed by Michael Grief in 2014. Her presence in the off-Broadway play “Miracle in Rwanda” was a tour de force, as she masterfully portrayed 18 characters in a one-woman show. This commanding performance earned her widespread acclaim, culminating in a coveted nomination for Best Solo Performance at the 2019 VIV Awards.
With an unwavering dedication to her craft and a fervent commitment to advocating for social justice, Malaika Umwamahoro continues to captivate audiences with her remarkable performances. Her exceptional body of work has solidified her stature as a revered and sought-after talent within the entertainment industry, and her legacy stands as a testament to her resilience and artistic prowess.