Art is a powerful force, capable of making us feel and experience things far beyond the scope of our daily lives. For Malaika Uwamahoro, this realization came early. “When I was a child, I knew I wanted to be an artist because it allowed me to be anything I wanted—a hairstylist, a radio host, a lawyer. Being an actor has broadened my range in emotion and imagination,” she shares. This early fascination with art has guided Malaika through a journey filled with passion, determination, and empathy.
Growing up in an artistically vibrant household in Rwanda, Malaika was surrounded by creativity. “My grandmother was a tailor, my mother an interior designer, my uncles visual artists, and my aunts were performing artists. I was always involved in talent shows at school and church, often scooping the main roles regardless of gender,” Malaika reminisces. Her early involvement in the arts laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
Malaika’s journey took a significant turn when she joined Mashirika Performing Arts, a troupe known for its powerful productions. It was during a show about Rwanda called “Africa’s Hope” that Malaika realized the kind of artist she wanted to be. “I wanted my art to have a message, to inspire and speak to people. That’s when I understood the power of art,” she explains.
Her time with Mashirika Performing Arts was pivotal, but it was her involvement with Spoken Word Rwanda that accelerated her career. “Writing and performing my own material on this platform was a turning point. These experiences were crucial in shaping my path,” she says with gratitude.
Despite her successes, Malaika faced numerous challenges. One notable hurdle was navigating the industry as a young woman. “As a young girl in the studio, some producers tried to take advantage of me, which made me cautious about pursuing music. Now, I’ve grown and learned how to handle such situations,” she reflects. Additionally, the limited opportunities in Rwanda’s arts industry presented their own set of challenges. “We’re growing, but we have very limited opportunities. I’m working to create more opportunities not just for myself but for future artists,” she adds.
Malaika’s perseverance and dedication led her to win the 2024 Arts and Culture Excellence Award by Women In Leadership Awads, WILS. “Not regular, not basic, excellence,” she proudly declares. This award is a testament to her hard work and the impact of her art. “I feel honored and grateful for the recognition. It’s a reminder of the power of art and the importance of staying true to my vision.”
Among her favorite roles, three stand out. The first is from “Le Bruit des Eaux qui craquent,” a play by Suzanne Lebeau, where she portrayed a child soldier. “Playing an eight-year-old at 23 was challenging but fun. It allowed me to see the world from a child’s perspective and tell an important story through their eyes,” Malaika explains.
The second is a unique role where she played the Sun in a university play. “It was interesting to be an energy source rather than a person. It was a different perspective, and I enjoyed bringing warmth and light to the stage,” she recalls.
The third and perhaps most impactful role was in a one-woman show about Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. “I acted as 18 different characters, from a child to an old man, a victim, and a survivor. It showcased my range as an actor and deepened my emotional vocabulary,” she says.
Malaika’s most recent work, “Alkebulan,” is a film that celebrates Pan-Africanism. “I play Zarina, the nerdy brains of the group. The script is everything I dreamed of—creatives coming together to tell a story about Africa’s emancipation. I can’t wait for everyone to see it,” she enthuses.
Throughout her journey, Malaika has inspired many young artists. “It’s encouraging to receive messages from young people telling me I inspire them to write, perform poetry, and pursue art. It’s a reminder of the impact of my work,” she says.
Her advice to aspiring artists is simple yet profound: “Show up. Rehearse. The most precious time for an actor is rehearsal time. Put in the work to be as good as you need to be for the show. Rehearse and show up, and you’ll see the results.”
Malaika Uwamahoro’s journey from a young girl with dreams of becoming an artist to an award-winning actress is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of art. Her story continues to inspire and pave the way for future artists in Rwanda and beyond.
