ABOUT
Internationally acclaimed as the “Queen of Spoken Afrobeat” and affectionately known as “Mama Africa,” Anna Mwalagho is a multi-talented powerhouse who seamlessly blends comedy, spoken word, Afrobeat music, storytelling, African dance, and theater into a soul-stirring experience. Her electrifying performances are not just entertainment — they’re empowerment. With every word and rhythm, Anna inspires hearts, challenges minds, and uplifts spirits across generations and cultures.
Her one-woman show has captivated global audiences — one viral clip on Facebook alone reached 2.4 million views and counting. Her poetic voice tells stories of resilience, identity, and the beauty of the African spirit. Through laughter and lyrical truth, she weaves narratives that reflect the raw yet fulfilling journey of life.
Since launching her U.S. career, Anna has become one of the most sought-after African comedians, poets, and spoken Afrobeat artists. She is also the founder and lead performer of the dynamic Afrofloetry Band, which has shared the stage with Afrobeat and jazz legends like Hugh Masekela and Oliver Mtukudzi, even collaborating on the spoken-word piece “Flavored World.”
Her impact extends to historic moments — in 2009, Anna and her band were selected by the Smithsonian Museum of African Art to perform during the inaugural celebrations of President Barack Obama, delivering an unforgettable performance to an international audience.
Anna’s stage presence has graced iconic platforms and dignitaries alike — from The Kennedy Center, The World Bank, UNAIDS, The US Army, to high-profile figures like Nobel Laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai, Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., and actor Forest Whitaker
But Anna is more than a performer — she is a professor, cultural curator, activist, and philanthropist. In 2016, she founded the Upendo Educational Foundation USA, continuing her long-standing support for the Upendo Rehabilitation Center in Nairobi’s Huruma slums, helping vulnerable children through education and love.
Her creative legacy includes:
3 musical albums (including Shukrani, which made it to the first round of the Grammy Awards for children’s music),
A published book of poetry,
A DVD collection of her comedy and spoken word,
And her acclaimed one-woman play, “Never Thought I Was Black Until I Came to America” — a compelling, humorous, and powerful narrative of her immigrant journey told through poetry, song, and story.
