Maya Jama is a British television presenter born in August 1994 in Bristol to Somali and Swedish parents, who became the first non-white host of Love Island UK. Beginning her career as a teenager with JumpOff.TV and YouTube, she progressed to hosting MTV’s The Wrap Up, the MOBO Awards, and three seasons of Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star. Her achievements include founding beauty brand MIJ Masks and earning Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, with her complete journey revealing additional significant accomplishments.
A rising force in British television and media, Maya Jama has established herself as one of the UK’s most prominent presenters, breaking important barriers for representation while building a multifaceted career spanning broadcasting, business ventures, and social influence. Born in August 1994 in Bristol, England, to a Somali father and Swedish mother, Jama’s name was inspired by the renowned poet Maya Angelou, foreshadowing her future impact on British culture and media.
Jama’s early life was marked by instability, experiencing a turbulent childhood with her father frequently in and out of prison, circumstances that would later fuel her determination to succeed in the entertainment industry. At age 16, she made the pivotal decision to relocate to London with aspirations of pursuing a career in media, initially focusing on acting before shifting to presenting and hosting opportunities.
Her media career began during her teenage years when she presented for JumpOff.TV, subsequently building a dedicated following through her YouTube channel after settling in London. These early platforms provided the foundation for more substantial opportunities, including hosting TRACE Sports on Sky UK and covering the 2014 FIFA World Cup for Copa90, experiences that showcased her versatility and on-screen presence.
The breakthrough moment came in 2014 when Jama joined MTV, hosting programs such as The Wrap Up, which elevated her profile within British broadcasting circles. Her career trajectory accelerated greatly in 2017, a landmark year during which she hosted the Brit Awards’ red carpet, became the youngest co-host for the MOBO Awards at age 23, and presented the ITV game show Cannonball.
Jama’s hosting portfolio expanded to include co-hosting the first season of The Circle UK and three seasons of Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star, before achieving her most high-profile appointment as host of Love Island UK, making history as the first non-white host of the franchise. Born under the zodiac sign Leo, she has consistently demonstrated the confidence and leadership qualities often associated with her astrological profile throughout her presenting career. Her radio presence includes hosting Drive with Maya on Rinse FM and presenting a regular show on BBC Radio 1.
Beyond broadcasting, Jama has demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen through strategic business ventures, launching clothing line collaborations with PrettyLittleThing in 2018 and 2019, and founding the beauty product brand MIJ Masks during the COVID-19 lockdown. Her achievements culminated in recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2023 for her contributions to media and fashion. During her educational years at Cotham School, teachers notably predicted her future stardom, recognizing her early potential in media and presentation.
Jama’s cultural significance extends beyond entertainment, as she represents an essential figure for East African and mixed-race women’s representation in UK media, advocating for diversity and inclusivity on British primetime television while maintaining a substantial social media presence with over 3.1 million Instagram followers.
