SHAMIM MAYANJA, 34, also goes by her alias Zubeda Byantalo.
She is a journalist who runs her own Executive Media on YouTube and TikTok, although she is better known for her acting and comedic podcasts on social media. Balancing her career in journalism with a deep passion for the performing arts, Mayanja has become a rising force on stage.
She shared with Quick Talk her story of determination, creativity, and redefining what it means to be a modern-day storyteller in Uganda.
For those who may not know you beyond the screen, who is Shamim Mayanja once the cameras are switched off?
I am a mother of many and I love associating so much with people. I love fashion and children as well.
You are really funny. What was your childhood like, and did you ever imagine you would be in comedy and content creation?
Well, my childhood was so challenging [Quick Talk guesses, Mayanja is the typical example of Ugandans masking hardships with laughter]. I grew up with a single mother and I am not a comedian; I am a theatre practitioner and professional journalist. [Her delivery, especially on social media, is natural and funny, one would be forgiven for defining her as a comedian as well.]
Your character “Zubeda Byantalo” has become a household name. Where did the idea come from?
When I was in lockdown [for Covid-19] and imagined what men were going through without working, I wrote the script of The Kitonsaz where the name Zubeda came from.
What inspired you to start creating skits for YouTube and social media?
For so many times, I applied for jobs, and after failing to get a job on TV for a long time, I said, let me start my YouTube channel. [It was a good gamble, for her YouTube channel – Executive Media – is way up there in popularity, with Kasuku’s, in the Ugandan arts and comedy genre.]
Walk us through your process; how do you come up with ideas for your skits and characters?
I don’t let my mind rest. I see scenarios and engage with women so much; so, sometimes I write about the stories people tell me.
We used to know you as a theatre and TV drama star before YouTube. Did you completely give up on theatre?
Yes, with the project of Mboozi Za Malwa, that was my breakthrough. Fans enjoy my works because they see themselves in the skits. They enjoy the work I do.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career so far and how did you overcome it?
Capital, but being consistent has made me realize that you can make it with or without the money.
Your comedy is about relatable, everyday life. What kind of feedback do you get from fans?
I am not a comedian [Well, you are funny, madam. And to Quick Talk, that is comedy/humour/entertainment… semantics] I am rather a theatre person; so, in theatre, women are pushing seriously and we are consistent.
How would you describe the comedy and content creation scene in Uganda today, especially for female creators?
I think we are very principled, hardworking, consistent and very proud of our bodies [Shamim Mayanja is always in a hijab and properly veiled as per her Muslim culture, regardless the nature of the content she may be sharing].
Are there any creators or artists locally or globally—you would love to collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with filmmakers. People like [Nollywood legend] Patience Ozokwor, Omotola and others.
What’s next for Shamim Mayanja?
Any new projects we should keep an eye on? Yes, I have Crossroads, Double Jeoupady and other new projects like Hijab Nation happening on August 23 at Thoban Centre.
atiluknathan@gmail.com