The 10 Secret Ways Maya Jama Became a Showbiz Queen at 30
As Maya Jama celebrates her 30th birthday, the world is at her feet.
The recently released star has an impressive resume, including a coveted role as host of Love Island, sponsorship deals with major brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and last week it was announced that she will be joining the West End as a producer, alongside Idris Elba and Lil Simz, on the production of the critically acclaimed play The Shifters.
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Not bad for a young girl from Bristol.
Since finding fame as a teenager via YouTube and MTV, Maya has become one of the most popular faces on the box – and one of the most desirable women in the world. With her sexy selfies, stunning red carpet outfits and iconic Love Island looks, it’s no wonder rapper Stormzy, with whom she dated from 2014 to 2019, and NBA superstar Ben Simmons, to whom she was briefly engaged in 2022, were smitten.
Although she reunited with Stormzy last year, the relationship wasn’t meant to be and Maya is back on the market. And it’s not just men who are lining up to court hair. Indeed, major brands and major fashion giants are falling over themselves to work with Maya, who was named one of Vogue’s 40 Iconic British Cover Stars earlier this year.
As she continues to go from strength to strength, we asked celebrity PR expert Ed Hopkins: edhopkinspr.co.uk to reveal the secret ways Maya has made herself a mainstay in show business, and has remained so until now Earth and recognizable, while she is one of the sexiest women in the world.
“Now that Maya Jama is turning 30, it’s clear that she’s mastered the art of being relatable and in the spotlight at the same time,” Ed explains.
“With her unique blend of authenticity, humor and undeniable sex appeal, Maya has mesmerized both women and men, making her one of the most bankable and beloved stars in showbiz today. Here’s how she did it…”
Makeup-Free Selfies: The Power of Authenticity
ED SAYS: “Maya Jama’s makeup-free selfies are a testament to her confidence and authenticity, qualities that resonate deeply with her fans. By embracing her natural beauty, she challenges the unrealistic beauty standards often perpetuated by social media, making her not only relatable but empowering to women who admire her candid approach to self-love.”
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Dancing Like a Nerd: Embracing Her Inner Idiot
ED SAYS: “Maya’s willingness to let loose and dance like no one is watching, shows she doesn’t take herself too seriously, which makes her all the more endearing. This playful side invites her audience to connect with her on a personal level, proving that even the most glamorous stars have a fun, silly side.”
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McDonald’s in Bed: A Taste of Real Life
ED SAYS: “McDonald’s in bed is something almost everyone can relate to, and Maya’s openness about these guilty pleasures makes her even more relatable. This down-to-earth behavior shatters the illusion of perfection often associated with celebrities, allowing fans to see her as one of their own.”
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Being a ‘girly girl’ on Love Island: promoting sisterhood
ED SAYS: “Maya’s support for other women, especially on a platform like Love Island, shows her commitment to female solidarity. By being a ‘girly girl’, she positions herself as a role model for women, emphasising the importance of lifting each other up rather than competing with each other.”
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Recognizable recommendations: connecting with everyday life
ED SAYS: “By partnering with accessible brands like McDonald’s and Rimmel, Maya Jama maintains a connection with her fans that is rooted in everyday experiences. These endorsements reflect her understanding of what resonates with her audience, making her not just a celebrity, but someone who understands and celebrates the ordinary.”
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Sober Statement on a Breakup: Grace Under Pressure
ED SAYS: “When it comes to dealing with personal matters, Maya’s down-to-earth split from Stormzy showed grace and maturity. By discussing her relationship status with honesty and class, she gained respect from fans and colleagues alike, further cementing her image as a relatable and down-to-earth star.”
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Being sexy and confident: the perfect balance
ED SAYS: “Maya’s ability to embrace her sensuality without compromising her authenticity is a key element of her broad appeal. She confidently flaunts her figure in stunning outfits, celebrating her body and encouraging others to do the same, which resonates with fans of all genders. Plus, it helps when real scientific theories like the Golden Ratio formula confirm that she has the ‘best butt in the world.'”
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Share workouts: inspiring fitness and fun
ED SAYS; “Maya’s social media often features her workouts, showcasing not only her fitness routine but also her dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This transparency inspires her followers to pursue their own fitness goals, reinforcing her role as a positive influence in her fans’ lives.”
From Teen to Movie Queen – Maya’s Rise to the Top
2014 – Co-host on YouTube channel Jumpoff TV
2014 – Host of the MTV show The Wrap Up
2014-2017 – Radio presenter on Rinse FM show Drive With Mya
2017 – Livestream host on the red carpet for The Brit Awards
2017 Co-host of ITV game show Cannonball with Freddie Flintoff
2017 – Guest Panelist on Loose Women
2017 – Host of the Mobo Awards – youngest presenter ever
2018 – Co-host of Channel 4 show The Circle alongside Alice Levine
2018 – Co-host with Scott Mills on Radio 1, Friday show
2018 – Clothing line launched with Pretty Little Thing
2020 – Co-host of Save our Summer on BBC1 with Peter Crouch
2020 Launched her own eye and face mask line called MIJ Masks, which sold out within 24 hours
2021 – Presenter of Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make UP Star, replacing Stacey Dooley
2021- Presenter of Simon Cowell’s music show Walk The Line
2022 – Love Island presenter, replacing Laura Whitmore
2024 Hosting the Brit Awards, with Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo
2024 – Producer of The Shifters’ West End transfer, alongside Idris Elba and Lil Simz
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Gorgeous outfits: the fashionista everyone loves
ED SAYS: “Maya’s fashion choices never cease to amaze her fans as she effortlessly combines elegance with spunk. Her ability to pull off any look, from glamorous gowns to street style, has made her a fashion icon, further cementing her appeal as someone who is both aspirational and approachable.”
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Fan Engagement: Building a Loyal Community
ED SAYS: “Maya’s genuine interaction with her fans on social media creates a sense of community that is rare in the celebrity world. Whether it’s replying to comments or sharing fan art, her engagement creates a loyal following who feel seen and valued, making her one of the most beloved figures in the industry.”
“These ten qualities not only make Maya Jama recognizable, but also highlight her keen understanding of her audience, which ensures her continued success in the showbiz world.”
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