Kim Jayde On Juggling All Her Titles, Her Trusted Mantra And Future Aspirations

Kimberley Jayde Robinson / 27 / MTV Base Africa TV Presenter / Model / Fashion & Travel Blogger 

How was it like for you growing up in Zimbabwe then having to move to South Africa?

I loved growing up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. It was a small, safe town with a great sense of community. Cape Town, and now Johannesburg is the complete opposite! A fast-paced, big city with so much opportunity! It was definitely an adjustment moving here, but totally worth it for the career path that I am on right now.

You hold a few titles under your name, how does each title represent who you are?

Each title allows me to explore a different creative side of myself.  TV presenting allows me to work with people in entertainment, modelling allows me to take on various roles in TV commercials worldwide; from a Brazilian Samba dancer, to a Middle Eastern girl drinking Pepsi. The KimJayde blog allows me to travel and share beautiful places and experiences, as well as teach my followers about the fashion trends I’m loving at the moment. No two days are ever the same; that’s the beauty of wearing more than one career hat!

Did you ever imagine that you would have achieved this much at this age?

To be honest, my mum always tells me “I never stop to think about how far I’ve come and how much I’ve achieved.” I have my eye on so much more that I want to do. I look at the top women in the industry and that drives me to work harder and push even more. I’m so grateful for where I am now but I’m so focused on where I’m going, so watch this space!

Is there a downside that comes with being in this industry?

It’s a competitive one for sure. Only a select few get the opportunity to even be on TV, and to be on a platform like MTV is huge! The pressure to maintain a certain image in the public eye is something I have never dealt with before. Also, in the public eye, you are expected to be happy everyday. Should I have an off day, or go through a break-up, or anything like that, I still have to go to work, stand in front of the camera and be happy. So there are pros and cons to the job.

What’s your mantra to always stay focused?

“Dream big. Work Hard. Stay Humble.”

What’s the one item you can’t function without?

My cellphone.

Any other aspirations you dream of?

I am a qualified Social Worker (Honours Degree in Social Work from the University of Stellenbosch) and it’s in my ten-year plan to start my own non-profit organization that will empower women and children through skills, training and education.

2017 in one word so far?

Blessed.

How do you manage to give all your titles 100% each time? 

MTV Base Africa is my full-time job, I am also lucky enough to be able to blog when I have the time and inspiration to do so. Pace yourself, that way you can give it your all to create a quality product.

 

Follow Kim!

Instagram: @kimjayde

Twitter: @KimJaydeBlog

Facebook: Kim Jayde

 

–Bridgette Makhela

 

MTV Channel Director Dillon Khan Speaks Lip Sync Battle Africa, To Air Soon

MTV Channel Director, Dillon Khan

How will Lip Sync Battle Africa (#LSBAfrica) be unique in its own right?
As with most formats, the show will remain true to the original but we’ll also be adding a big touch of African flavour. We expect the celebs to get their inner performer out by dazzling the studio audience as well as the ones watching on MTV (DStv Channel 130). The guests will first perform an African classic and close with an international smash hit. It promises to be as entertaining – if not more – than the US version.

Content is vital, will the show keep viewers glued to their Television sets?
Content and talent are vital. This show gives you bragging rights when you defeat your opponent. Imagine seeing your favourite rapper singing Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” or a big name politician singing Kanye West’s “Gold Digger”. That’s what dreams, or nightmares, are made of. We’ll have the entire family gathered round the TV to watch this one.

Which big African names can viewers look forward to seeing on the show?
We can’t reveal who the names are just yet. You’ll have to tune in on Thursday 14th April at 8:50pm on MTV channel 130 to find out what we have in store for you.

 

Why the decision to use e.tv for the Lip Sync Battle Africa terrestrial premiere?
We like to share our sweets with everyone and it’s great to get a terrestrial footprint for this great property. We’ve partnered with e.tv before, whether it was the VJ search or the MTV Africa Music Awards. This format will premiere on MTV and then on e.tv 9 days later, allowing the whole of South Africa to enjoy this jaw dropping show.

Any hints as to who the hosts of the show will be?
It’s a top secret at the moment. There are many amazing hosts that we’re looking at and many who have reached out to us who want to take the reins. We’ll be announcing very soon, so stay tuned to mtv.co.za and @mtvafrica for breaking news.

Is there a set target to reach when it comes to viewership numbers for the show?
Our aim is ambitious – we are gunning to achieve our highest ever ratings on MTV.

Overall, what can viewers expect on Africa’s version of Lip Sync Battle?
If you’ve seen the US show on MTV on Mondays at 9:35pm, multiply it by a gazillion.

 

–Bridgette Makhela