Wambui Bahati - 70 Years and Beyond
Overview
Broadway veteran and master storyteller Wambui Bahati delivers high-energy, laughter-filled keynote performances that connect generations. No dry lectures or rigid podiums—just pure, captivating stage energy! Her signature program, "70 Years and Beyond," takes corporate and convention audiences on a joyful, nostalgic journey from the 1950s to today, beautifully blending world-class theatrical entertainment with deep, unforgettable inspiration.
Reviews
1 review
Allyson T.
May 1, 2012Inspirational at Kentucky's Victims Assistance Conference!
Wambui was the special luncheon speaker at our Victims Assistance Conference this year. The conference is for victims advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement and anyone else who works with crime victims. These folks have seen it all when it comes to Domestic Violence speakers. Wambui was WONDERFUL and she had them all mezmerized.
Following her performance, the conference attendees were all excited about what they had seen, inspired, and ready to go back out on the front line and work to help DV victims. We were so lucky to have the opportunity to have Wambui at the Victims Assistance Conference. I am not sure anyone will ever live up to her in the future!
Hired as: Author, Broadway Style Entertainment, Motivational Speaker, Singer/Songwriter, Storyteller
Booking information
Price range: $3,000 - $10,000
Languages: English
Gig length: 45 - 90 minutes
What to expect
A Joyful, Theatrical Time Machine!
When you book Wambui Bahati for your event, your audience isn't getting a standard history lecture—they are getting a premium, Broadway-caliber living memory experience.
Don't let her youthful radiance and boundless energy fool you! Wambui brings over 50 years of professional theater and public speaking experience to the stage. From her formal training at the New York University School of the Arts to starring in Broadway productions and national tours, she knows exactly how to command a room, hold an audience's attention, and deliver a flawless performance.
In her 70 Years and Beyond keynote, Wambui uses her theatrical brilliance to transport audiences back to the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. Through insightful stories, dramatic illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor, she brings back the magic of neighborhood newspaper routes, rotary party lines, and Sunday dinners.
She replaces the fast-paced stress of today with a warm, "front-porch" conversation that bridges generations. Every presentation is custom-planned to spark enthusiasm, cross-generational connection, and pure joy. In a genuinely honest, compelling, and fun way, Wambui challenges her listeners to remember who they are and where they came from.
Her lifelong passion and the ultimate takeaway for your audience: "Reminding You of Your Magnificence."
About
WAMBUI BAHATI: 70 YEARS AND BEYOND KEYNOTE PERFORMANCE
🎭 MASTER STORYTELLER • BROADWAY VETERAN • INSPIRATIONAL POWERHOUSE
With 50 years of professional stage experience spanning from the bright lights of Broadway to international audiences, Wambui Bahati doesn't just deliver speeches—she transports rooms.
Wambui began her formal theatrical studies at the prestigious New York University School of the Arts. She made her professional debut in Godspell at Ford's Theater in Washington, D.C., and went on to star in the Broadway productions of Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar. Her extensive regional and national touring credits include leading roles in The Magic Show, Joseph Papp's rock version of Two Gentlemen of Verona, Little Ham, Nunsense, Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope, Gone With the Wind the musical, The Wiz, and Crowns.
Wambui is also the writer, producer, and star of critically acclaimed, award-winning one-woman musicals, including Balancing Act and I Am Domestic Violence. Both productions have received widespread national acclaim for their rare ability to provide high-caliber, riveting entertainment while addressing critical social and mental health issues in our communities.
Today, Wambui brings her unmatched theatrical charisma, side-splitting humor, and hard-won wisdom directly to the keynote stage. Born John Ann Washington in North Carolina, her legal name represents her personal journey of transformation and renewal: in Swahili, Wambui means "singer of songs," and Bahati means "my fortune is good". Her ultimate passion remains "Reminding YOU of YOUR Magnificence".
🎙️ CURRENT FEATURED KEYNOTE PROGRAMS & PRESENTATIONS
Wambui custom-tailors her performances to seamlessly match the heart, soul, and unique theme of your organization's event:
* 70 YEARS AND BEYOND: A high-energy, joyful, laughter-filled journey through the decades that shaped modern America. From 1950s vinyl bench seats, manual roll-up windows, and giant fold-out maps to modern autonomous driverless cars, Wambui connects generations through shared history, deep perspective, and nostalgic wonder. Perfect for conventions, corporate galas, and community speaker series.
* AGING OUT LOUD: This isn’t a presentation about getting old—it’s an anthem for getting bold. With unfiltered honesty, infectious humor, and profound faith, Wambui shares her journey from deep life struggles, welfare, and housing insecurity to a life of triumphant, renewed purpose and fabulous health.
* STEP AWAY FROM THE WORLD: Tailored beautifully for wellness retreats, women's conferences, and creative organizations. Drawing from her massive digital crafting community, Wambui explores the meditative, grounding, and joyful power of slowing down to pick up something beautiful and create it by hand.
🏆 NATIONAL ACCOLADES & NOTABLE BOOKINGS
Wambui’s moving presentations and profound community impact have earned her perfect five-star ratings from various organizations across the United States, Canada, and Australia, alongside numerous high-profile honors and commissions:
* The Woman of Achievement Award from the Greensboro Commission on the Status of Women
* The Lionel Aldridge Award (a prestigious national honor recognizing individuals providing extraordinary service and courage on behalf of those with mental illnesses)
* The Belle Ringer Image Award from Bennett College
* Custom Presentations commissioned by prominent institutions including the National Organization for Women (NOW), Habitat for Humanity, and the Carter Center
Wambui is also an accomplished author, having published the celebrated inspirational self-help book "You Don't Know Crazy", as well as her tender debut children's book, "Peace and Joy in Our Hearts"—a heartwarming Christmas story about courage, faith, kindness, and finding your voice.
⭐ WHAT EVENT PLANNERS SAY:
"Wambui was WONDERFUL and she had them all mesmerized... the conference attendees were all excited about what they had seen, inspired, and ready to go back out on the front line and work to help DV victims... I am not sure anyone will ever live up to her in the future!"
— Allyson T., Kentucky's Victims Assistance Conference
Let’s connect to discuss how we can bring an unforgettable blend of nostalgia and inspiration to your next event.
Additional booking notes
AUDIO REQUIREMENTS:
* Microphone: 1 Professional wireless headset microphone (preferred) OR a high-quality wireless lavalier microphone. (Wambui's theatrical performance requires full hands-free mobility).
* Stage Monitor: 1 Onstage audio monitor (wedge) facing the stage so Wambui can clearly hear her own vocal levels.
VISUAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Screen & Projector: A projector and screen (sized appropriately for the venue and audience) to display a PowerPoint presentation.
* Clicker: 1 Wireless slide advancer (clicker) for Wambui to use on stage.
Services offered
Past booked events
November 2014
20
Thursday
Convention
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Winston-Salem, NC
October 2014
02
Thursday
Public Event
4:30pm - 9:00pm (Fri)
•
Marion, VA
Influences and inspiration
The late, great Jeanne Robertson—for her masterful ability to weave clean, hilarious, and deeply relatable family storytelling with profound truths.
Setup requirements
Minimum Playing Area: A completely clear, unobstructed performance space of at least 12 feet wide by 8 feet deep.
The "No Center Podium" Rule: Wambui requires full stage mobility. Any event podiums MUST be placed on the far sides (Stage Left/Right) or be easily removable. No permanent center podiums.
Lighting: A standard, bright stage wash so Wambui is clearly visible to the entire audience while moving across the space.