Interviewed for Noctis Magazine

5 Minutes With Maya Jama

Was presenting the profession you always wanted to work in? Were there ever any other careers you dreamt of pursuing?

I always knew I wanted to be on TV. At first, I thought about acting because all I wanted to do was entertain people. But as soon as I discovered presenting, I knew that was the one for me.

Can you describe your style to us?

I have two extremes. In the daytime, when I'm not on camera, I'm the most casual woman; I'll be in tracksuits or baggy jumpers and jeans with a hat worn over unbrushed hair. Then, if I go to an event or a show where I am on camera, everything is glamorous.

What are your personal secrets for happiness?

Each day I pray that my day - and that of my loved ones - is filled with happiness and gratitude. I also like to start my mornings by writing a list of the things I'm grateful for. It’s all about appreciating what you have around you and reminding yourself how far you’ve come.

What three songs make up the current Maya Jama soundtrack?

Madness by Mist

Too Much by Kehlani 

Fever by Vybz Kartel

How do you find balance in your busy life?

This is definitely something I'm working on. Sometimes, when I'm not working, I have to turn my phone off just so I can ignore the world for a few hours. I might start yoga! I really want to start meditating, too. I’m just all-systems-go until I get a day off, and then I literally don’t get out of my pyjamas all day.

In today’s world, how important do you think it is to utilise your voice to inspire others?

I think it’s so important. Young people are influenced by everything around them, and the place they spend so much of their time is social media. It’s the role of any influential figure to spread the right message, especially with all the bad that’s going on around the world. For me, that message is self-love. Right now, it’s harder than ever to accept yourself when you don’t feel you match up to all of the unrealistic images shown through the media. Beauty is so much more than skin-deep.