Renita Walker is Ya-Ya: The Intergalactic Sojourner Truth

Who is Ya-Ya: The Intergalactic Sojourner truth?

Around 1998 I realized I could sing and write music, or perhaps it’s better to say I began to believe in my own gifts. Actually, my brother recognized it first and started pushing me to share my gift. As soon as I said yes, God, the universe, my ancestors, and all in the Spirit who are for me arranged a collision course with rapper and producer Aron “Ace” Epps who gave me my stage name. He thought I sounded like a modern-day Mahalia Jackson because of my lower register, soulful lyrics, and gospel music-inspired sound. He shortened her name, doubled the last syllable, and dubbed me “Ya-Ya.” Mahalia Jackson was my grandfather’s favorite gospel singer so it felt a fitting tribute; I’ve worn it with pride ever since.

Almost immediately I met another dope producer Kareem “The Silent Stepchild” Ellis, and we started working furiously. It didn’t take us long to develop our underground hip-hop soul sound, and we started working on my first project: What Freedom Dreams (2001). I envisioned Ya-Ya as my alter ego, and I found the inspiration to dream of freedom through her.

Ya-Ya is a born freedom fighter, waging war throughout the inhabited universe against those who would hold others captive. She proclaims freedom to those in bondage and helps the newly released walk in freedom. Although “What Freedom Dreams” was released in 2001 (2002 digitally), life’s pressures buried my expression through Ya-Ya for nearly 20 years. I spent the last 12 years pursuing a fulfilling career as a hospital chaplain, providing compassionate spiritual care at the bedside of the sick and dying.

Album Releases

Then, almost suddenly, I felt Ya-Ya’s call to proclaim freedom once again; it was as if a part of me woke up from a long slumber! In July 2019 I joined in musical partnership with Kareem Ellis for production again and released the “Ya-Ya Lives!” EP. In November 2020 I released my first self-produced full-length project, “Home: Welcome to 3020.” In August 2021, 20 years after “What Freedom Dreams” was released I released “What Freedom Dreams, Vol. 2” as a continuation of Ya-Ya’s freedom journey! November 2021, I released my second self-produced project, “Next.” November 2023 Kareem and I will be releasing What Freedom Dreams, Vol. 3

Live Performances

After living through the terror of working in healthcare during the Covid pandemic I’ve decided to align with where my path is leading me now and pursue my bigger dream: Live Performance. I enjoy recording music, but there is nothing like connecting to and feeling the energy of a live audience. April 2022 I produced and performed a private one woman show in Hampton, GA, October 2022 I started performing at open mics to grow my local fanbase around Atlanta, and in January 2023 I was booked for an acoustic performance at Kat’s Cafe. My sound is a riff on the mashups that are taking over Instagram: Familiar soul, funk, or R&B classics sprinkled with a bit of intergalactic stardust for a high powered performance!