Maya Jama, born on August 14, 1994, in Bristol, United Kingdom, is a British television presenter, radio DJ, and model. Of mixed heritage, she has Somali roots from her father’s side and Swedish descent from her mother’s side. Maya was named after the famous author and poet Maya Angelou by her mother, Sadie, who was just 19 at the time of her birth.
Early Life: Maya’s Formative Years
Growing up in Bristol, Maya attended Cotham School. Her father’s imprisonment marked her early life due to violence-related crimes, which influenced her decision to stop visiting him at the age of 12. Despite these challenges, Maya remained close to her supportive mother, often appearing with her on talk shows and at private events. Her mother’s influence was significant, fostering a resilient spirit in Maya.
Career and Achievements: Maya’s Rise to Fame
Maya Jama’s career began in 2012 when she moved to London, initially pursuing acting before transitioning into TV presenting and modeling. Her early roles included hosting music video countdowns and working for Sky UK on TRACE Sports. By 2014, Maya was hosting her own show, “Maya’s FIFA World Cup Cities,” and joined MTV as a presenter. She quickly gained prominence, hosting high-profile events like the Brit Awards Pre-Party and co-hosting the MOBO Awards. Her versatility shone through as she presented on major platforms like BBC One, ITV2, and Channel 4, covering events from “Love Island” to “Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star”.
In radio, Maya hosted the weekday show “#DriveWithMaya” on Rinse FM between 2014 and 2017. She later joined BBC Radio 1, co-presenting “Radio 1’s Greatest Hits” and her own show until 2020. Her departure from Radio 1 marked a transition to focus on other exciting career commitments.
Personal Life: Maya’s Private World
Maya Jama resides in West London and is an avid football fan, supporting Bristol Rovers and West Ham United. Her personal life has seen its share of public scrutiny, including an incident of a resurfaced tweet from her teens, for which she apologized. Her romantic life has also been a topic of interest, with relationships including a notable one with British rapper Stormzy and a relationship with NBA player Ben Simmons, which ended in 2022. Reports suggest a reunion with Stormzy as of late 2023.
