Malia Obama Drops Surname, Emerges as Malia Ann in Filmmaking Debut

Aimee Cherry Quartey
By
Malia Obama Drops Surname, Emerges as Malia Ann in Filmmaking Debut
Malia Ann
Malia Obama, the eldest daughter of former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, is stepping into her own spotlight, this time without the weight of her famous last name. Now professionally known as Malia Ann, the 26-year-old made waves at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival with the premiere of her directorial debut, The Heart.

The name shift, using her full first and middle names, has been widely interpreted as a quiet yet intentional statement. Though Malia has not publicly addressed the change, many see it as a move to carve out her identity and establish herself as a creative force on her own terms, independent of political legacy.

The Heart, a short film that debuted to warm reception at Sundance, signals a promising start to her filmmaking journey. Viewers and critics alike praised her storytelling instincts and directorial vision, further validating her pursuit in the entertainment industry.

Her mother, Michelle Obama, recently shed light on the values driving Malia and her younger sister Sasha. “They don’t want people to assume that they don’t work hard, that they’re just naturally handed things,” the former First Lady explained, emphasizing their shared commitment to earning success through merit.

With this bold name choice and a well-received debut under her belt, Malia Ann is setting the stage for a career defined not by her lineage, but by her voice.

Comments

MORE FROM
entertainment

More From 3Music News

SDK Laments Decline of Event Photography
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Walter Sena | May 13th, 2026

SDK Laments Decline of Event Photography

Ghanaian content creator and social commentator SDK has sparked conversations online after sharing his thoughts on how short-form video content has gradually replaced traditional event photography culture.

Queen Latifah Joins THE VOICE as Coach for Landmark Season 30
music | entertainment | culture | BY Walter Sena | May 13th, 2026

Queen Latifah Joins THE VOICE as Coach for Landmark Season 30

Queen Latifah is set to bring her star power, industry experience and signature charisma to the iconic singing competition THE VOICE as a new coach for its milestone Season 30.

Joseph Paul Amoah, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu Lead Ghana’s Charge at African Athletics Championships
sports | BY Lerny Lomotey | May 12th, 2026

Joseph Paul Amoah, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu Lead Ghana’s Charge at African Athletics Championships

Saminu, currently regarded as Ghana’s fastest man, will compete in the men’s 100 metres alongside Joseph Paul Amoah and Edwin Gadayi as Team Ghana looks to make a strong start on home soil.

Barbee Unveils African-Inspired Fashion Brand at TGMA 2026
music | fashion & lifestyle | BY Lerny Lomotey | May 12th, 2026

Barbee Unveils African-Inspired Fashion Brand at TGMA 2026

“Growing up, I always loved African prints and looked forward to the beautiful outfits my father would bring back to the States for me,” she said. According to her, launching a fashion line influenced by her heritage is a personal milestone.

Ghana Strengthens Border Surveillance Despite WHO Downplaying Global Hantavirus Threat
culture | BY Lerny Lomotey | May 12th, 2026

Ghana Strengthens Border Surveillance Despite WHO Downplaying Global Hantavirus Threat

The move follows an outbreak aboard the cruise vessel MV Hondius, where multiple passengers were infected with the Andes strain of hantavirus, leading to at least three deaths and an international contact-tracing exercise.

Law Students Welcome Legal Education Reform As Ghana Ends Ghana School Of Law Monopoly
culture | BY Lerny Lomotey | May 12th, 2026

Law Students Welcome Legal Education Reform As Ghana Ends Ghana School Of Law Monopoly

The law, assented to by President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, 11th May 2026, ends the Ghana School of Law’s decades-long monopoly over professional legal education by allowing accredited universities and institutions to offer the Professional Law Course.

Liverpool Unveil Permanent Forever 20 Memorial For Diogo Jota And Brother Andre Silva
sports | BY Lerny Lomotey | May 11th, 2026

Liverpool Unveil Permanent Forever 20 Memorial For Diogo Jota And Brother Andre Silva

Following the deaths of the two brothers, Anfield became a place of mourning as thousands of fans left scarves, flowers, banners, jerseys and handwritten messages outside the stadium in tribute.

DopeNation's Kakalika Dance Takes Over European Football Celebrations
music | sports | BY Lerny Lomotey | May 11th, 2026

DopeNation's Kakalika Dance Takes Over European Football Celebrations

The young Barcelona stars went viral after performing the Ghanaian Kakalika dance following FC Barcelona’s La Liga title victory. Barcelona secured the 2025/26 Spanish league title with a 2-0 win over Real Madrid at Camp Nou with three games to spare.

Davido Enters 2026 Black Music Walk Of Fame
music | entertainment | BY Lerny Lomotey | May 11th, 2026

Davido Enters 2026 Black Music Walk Of Fame

Davido joins a growing list of celebrated global figures recognised by the organisation, including Fela Kuti, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Usher and Stevie Wonder.

Behind the Scenes: A Legal Commentary on Filmmaking, Michael Jackson’s Biopic, and Lessons for Ghana’s Film Industry
entertainment | BY Lerny Lomotey | May 9th, 2026

Behind the Scenes: A Legal Commentary on Filmmaking, Michael Jackson’s Biopic, and Lessons for Ghana’s Film Industry

A script appears (if at all), sometimes finished, sometimes still negotiating with itself. The producer gathers people: a director who “gets it”; an actor who owes him a favour; a location owner who can be convinced; an artist who is just delighted to have his song featured on-screen; and a camera that may or may not behave like it was paid.

Accra Indie Filmfest Returns With Resilience in Motion
entertainment | BY Lerny Lomotey | May 5th, 2026

Accra Indie Filmfest Returns With Resilience in Motion

Since its inception in 2019, Accra Indie Filmfest has grown into one of Africa’s leading platforms for independent short films and cross-cultural exchange. From navigating the complexities of the pandemic through digital and hybrid editions to expanding its global footprint, AiF has consistently championed bold storytelling, inclusivity...

Kele Blvk Releases New EP THE HUSTLE IS AN ART
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | May 4th, 2026

Kele Blvk Releases New EP THE HUSTLE IS AN ART

Ghanaian artiste, Kele Blvk, has officially unveiled his latest project, a six-track EP titled THE HUSTLE IS AN ART…

More Similar Videos

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper
music,entertainment | Lerny Lomotey | October 27th, 2025

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper