MJ (MUSA JUMA)

           

MJ in a scene on Almasi.

         He is an actor that has featured in the episodes "Almasi" and "Sumu" both on K24 Television. "Almasi" aired every weekday from 7.30pm to 8pm until February this year. The premier was composed of various actors and actress. Currently, "Sumu" is on air every weekday from 7.30pm to 8pm.

What are your official names?
Juma Salim Shibe.

Do you mind talking about your age?
No I do not mind. I am 25yrs?

You have featured in 2 (two) TV shows. What motivated you to do acting?
First, it is an inborn talent, out of the experience from past local soaps I have watched in the recent past and I think I can take this industry into another level.

How the journey to being an actress did began?
It began back in 2007 when I was still in high school.

That is nice. It is truly encouraging to know that you began acting at such a tender age. What are your challenges in the field of acting?
Society. Some people misunderstand my role in the play to real personality.

I feel you. That can be really disturbing. Tell us more about your family.
Frankly, I really thank my family for the passionate support and encouragement they gave me since I ventured in this industry.

Apart from acting, what else do you do for a living?
I am an entrepreneur.

Mambo Madogo Madogo as he is popularly known.

As an entrepreneur, what is your area of specialization or what do you deal with?
I am fashion designer.

This is really interesting. Who is your inspiration since you began acting?
William Levy.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I will be in Hollywood doing productions. If I happen to be still in Kenya, I will be owning my filming company.

Wow, this is really encouraging. What strange thing don’t people know about you?
Apart from acting, I am a singer and I am a God fearing person.

Wow, no one would imagine MJ would be a singer. Have you done any recording to your songs and have you composed an album?
Yes I have recorded 2 (two) songs that I did in collaboration with my younger brother. I have not composed an album.

Have you been approached by media houses intending to recruit you?
I have only seen that happen in Nairobi but not in Mombasa. So far, no media house has approached me.

Why did you pick the names “Almasi” and "Sumu" for the episode?
I think "Almasi" and Sumu" have the best story that suit Kenyans.

Sly, Baraza, MJ and Aaron towards the end of the episode "Almasi."

These have been two amazing love stories. Are you overwhelmed by the feedback you are getting from your fans?
So far, I can say the two programs got a lot of positive feedback and I am happy for the support Kenyans have given us.

We congratulate you for the role you have played in both episodes. If your shoes could talk, what stories would they have to tell?
I know they are proud of me and they would tell Kenyans that if there should be a role model to the youth, then it should be MJ because I don't give up and I always work smart not hard.

I think you should begin mentorship programs in the Coastal region as this could help curb the rising cases on insecurity in the country. Describe your typical day.
I wake up at 5.30am. I pray and do some body fitness practice. I take a shower and prepare to leave for work by 6.45am. My schedule is unpredictable because I can work as late as 10.00pm.

You have always used the phrase "Mambo madogo madogo." What does the phrase mean?
Hahaaa....It simply means nothing is a big deal to me.

MJ, Tinah and Aaron in the episode "Sumu"

Tell us about your social life. What is your marital status like?
It has been a very big secret in regards to my marital status but I believe I will eventually reveal the secret when the right time come.

Are you currently working on any episode or project and what should your fans expect in some days to come
My fans should expect a lot. There are 3 (three) projects from Mombasa that we are currently working on with different companies that will soon air in the local channels. I will also be working with a company in Nairobi and I have a movie collaboration with a star from Tanzania.

This will really make your fans more anxious. How do you spend you free time when not at work?
I read story books, watch movies and I also like going to the beach to swim.

What would you tell the youths back in the village who have a talent in acting but have not made any move?
I will tell them that acting pays if they have the talent. Let them not sit on that talent because a lot of money somewhere is waiting for them to showcase their talent. Actually, talent is livelihood.

We wish you all the best in your career and all your endeavors.

The "Almasi" crew after the successful filming of the episode.