Maya Jama reveals what she calls boyfriend Stormzy in private and why she was never the ‘hot one’ at school
What with being the other half of one of music’s fastest-rising stars, you might expect Maya Jama’s social media feed to be full of pouty poses.
In fact, Stormzy’s girlfriend’s Twitter profile picture shows her with a double chin, while supermodel Jourdan Dunn features regularly in her goofy Insta stories.
It’s this lack of vanity that has helped gain her a cult following as an MTV and 4Music presenter, and now a major hosting role alongside Freddie Flintoff and Frankie Bridge on ITV’s Cannonball.
Hard graft is Maya’s middle name.
She left her Bristol home at 16 after landing a role as a runner on hip-hop channel JumpOff.TV, moving to London and setting up her own YouTube channel talking body issues, career goals and make-up tips.
When a presenter called in sick at JumpOff.TV, she filled in, before landing jobs with Trace Sports, Rinse FM and MTV. And all this despite a tough start. In an upcoming ITV documentary, she explores the issue of having a parent in jail – her own dad was in and out of prison as she grew up.
Now 23, with close to half a million social media devotees and that headline-grabbing two-year romance with Stormzy, 24, Maya’s star is on a meteoric ascent.
After a 5am finish for her birthday celebrations, she still looks incredible (if a little bleary-eyed) when she arrives at our shoot, yet her flawless complexion means she’s out of the make-up chair in record time.
Stormzy has popped along for moral support, and the couple’s chemistry is clear.
Trying on clothes, Maya breaks into a geeky grin whenever he gives her a nod of approval.
As she teeters on the precipice of superstardom, we meet the woman who will set your TV alight this autumn.
Are you excited to be presenting Cannonball?
Yes – it’s the biggest job I’ve done. I’ve been doing this since I was 16, so it’s amazing to see the work pay off, finally.
What’s the dream job?
I’ve always said I’d love to be on Channels 1-5 by 25, and luckily it’s happened at 23. With Cannonball being prime time it’s a double dream for me.
And where do you want to go from here?
A chat show is in my sights now. I would love to have celebrities do silly things – a blend between Celebrity Juice and Alan Carr.
What drives you?
At first it was the fear of going back to Bristol without having achieved anything. I wanted to prove myself. I was naive [moving to London] and wasn’t aware how hard it would be. I had to be very disciplined and put a lot of pressure on myself.
That sounds tough…
I remember knowing no one in London. All my friends were going to Ibiza and I was just working non-stop for free until 11pm. I was so broke and sleeping on a family member’s sofa.
And now you’re going out with Stormzy! How’s that going?
I don’t want there to be too much focus on our relationship instead of what I’m doing. We are together, he is doing amazing, and I am just coming up, so obviously there’s interest in that. Yes, he is part of me, but I do stuff, too.
What makes your relationship tick?
We genuinely like each other. I find it a bit cringe-worthy talking about him while he’s here! Everything is lovely at the moment. I am very happy.
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What do you do together to relax?
My work is very social, so when I get a chance I just lie on the sofa, chill, eat crisps and watch Netflix.
Fess up, who’s the best cook?
Neither of us! I am learning, though. I’ve always made sandwiches. I’ll make cold food for as long as possible. I blame it on my lack of time.
What’s the most romantic thing he’s done for you?
We went to Paris for our two-year anniversary – that was textbook romance. It was a complete surprise.
Do you have special nicknames for each other?
My nickname for him is Mals. The story behind it is too long to explain. He just calls me babe.
Do you get recognised much now?
I still have the same friends and my life is almost exactly the same. I can go to Tesco!
And long-term, what’s the plan?
Eventually I’d love to live in a massive house by the water and have children. I’d also like to go to the US
and do a show like James Corden has.
Do you have any body insecurities?
I used to hate loads of stuff, but I’ve grown to accept myself. I still have bad days – I feel bloated and get spots. I try not to focus on what I look like because no one else really cares. I have other valuable traits, so I don’t want looks to be my main focus.
You love a silly selfie!
In school I was never fancied. I was definitely not the hot one, so I tried to be funny. I was a late developer, but it made me a nicer person because I didn’t worry about how I looked.
How do you keep fit now?
I’ve been relying on my metabolism for a long time! My mum says I’ve got until 26 to do that. I’ve got a trainer, but it’s hard to fit in as I don’t have a routine – every day is different. I’m going to add more greens to my diet though.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I’m a burger girl. Five Guys is currently my favourite.
I used to challenge people and see who could eat one the fastest, and I used to be able to eat a whole tub of ice cream in about a minute.
How would you describe your style?
When I first moved to London, I used to wear heels and curl my hair every day. Now I get out of bed and out of the house in half an hour. I’d rather get more sleep!
Who’s your fashion icon?
Bella Hadid. Every outfit’s a dream.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
I used to be super-disheartened when I got a no. My mum always said every missed opportunity is leading up to another that’s right for you.
Persistence makes the difference between people who make it in this industry and those who don’t.
Finally, would you say that you’re a feminist?
I definitely am. I’m girl power the whole way. Women should get paid exactly the same as men – this is 2017.
I believe in equality in everything.
Maya Jama is the brand ambassador for Glacéau Smartwater’s new sparkling flavours.