Biography
Renee Namakau Ombaba's journey is a testament to joy, growth, and elegance. Born to Zambian and Kenyan immigrants in Lowell, MA, her passion for music began early. As her mother cleaned their home church in Jackson, MS, she and her sister would spend hours playing the piano and figuring out new melodies. It was here, amid the echoes of hymns and the love of both African and African-American community, that Renee Namakau's passion for the arts and interests in Black communities in the US first blossomed. Recognizing Renee Namakau’s talent, her mother enrolled her in piano lessons at nine years old. By age 12, Renee Namakau confidently declared herself an opera singer, a dream she pursued by earning a Bachelor's in Vocal Performance from Jackson State University in 2012, followed by a Master’s in Southern Studies from the University of Mississippi in 2014.
Her upbringing was infused with stories of resilience and heritage. Renee Namakau credits her mother for instilling pride in her heritage by telling Renee Namakau of her grandfather, Godwin A. Mbikusita Lewanika, King of Bartoseland and her grandmother, Namaya Inutu Lewanika, the first Black woman to vote in Zambia. These narratives instilled in Renee Namakau a profound sense of identity and purpose, igniting her commitment to celebrate her cultural roots and advocate for women's empowerment. These values would later manifest in her founding of Black Women in Opera (BWIO), a platform dedicated to honoring the achievements of Black women in a historically male-dominated field. In 2019, Renee Namakau founded Black Women in Opera (BWIO) to highlight the past and current achievements of Black women opera singers. BWIO seeks to be the premiere source of knowledge about Black opera.
In the vibrant cultural landscape of DC, Renee Namakau's talents flourished. She immersed herself in the local arts scene, honing her skills not only as an opera singer but also as a versatile performer in theater and improv comedy. Her artistic endeavors, including acclaimed performances in operatic roles like Antonia in Les Contes d'Hoffmann and Juliette in Roméo et Juliette, showcased her soprano prowess and storytelling finesse. Renee Namakau soars as a vocalist and continues to fine tune her talents in classical voice.
In 2021, Renee Namakau Ombaba co-found the all-Black indie comedy improv team, Baggage Claim, a groundbreaking ensemble known for their vibrant performances and unique storytelling. Together, they brought laughter and cultural resonance to stages across Washington, DC, including a memorable performance at the prestigious Kennedy Center. Renee's involvement with Baggage Claim not only showcased her comedic versatility but also highlighted her commitment to amplifying diverse voices and narratives in comedy and performance arts.
Beyond the stage, Renee Namakau's journey in development work has been marked by her unique ability to forge meaningful connections and mobilize support. Her role in spearheading fundraising initiatives, informed by her deep understanding of community and culture, has been instrumental in advancing causes close to her heart.
Renee Namakau served as the 2019 Modern American Miss. In 2020, Renee Namakau earned third place in The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc’s Local Competition in Washington, D.C.
Today, Renee Namakau Ombaba continues to weave together her passion for the arts with her commitment to advocacy and development. Her story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and the transformative power of embracing one's true calling—a journey marked by joy, growth, and an unwavering dedication to making a difference in both artistic and philanthropic realms.
In her free time, she enjoys any murder mystery novel by Attica Locke or Stephen L. Carter, any book by Toni Morrison or Terry McMillan, playing the accompaniment part of her vocal music, and hanging out with her friends. She hopes to work in the next Emmy Award winning series or in any feature opposite Viola Davis.