FEATURE: Meet Bujy Bikwa

BUJY BIKWA

“I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE!!!!”

DJ, radio presenter, singer, television producer, actor, and reality TV star chatted to OUT Africa Magazine about his past, his present and what in

Mag 28 store in the future ...

Good morning Bujy To begin with I am going to introduce you to our readers with a little background

You were born and raised in Zimbabwe … I was born in Zimbabwe came to South Africa at the age of 5 so I was not really OUT - LOL!!! What was it like to be born in a country where the government has outlawed homosexuality and the former President referred to gay people as worse than dogs? I started going to school in South Africa and I remember reading about that statement and thinking to myself “Imagine being a homosexual in Zimbabwe and having to go through all this.” A part of me couldn’t help but want to bring everyone to SA but now that I know better. Its time to fight the system. We can’t keep skipping countries because of presidents who dictate who should sleep with whom. We have other equally pressing issues in Africa such as poverty which also needs to be addressed. What motivated the move to South Africa?

My mom was quite influential in that decision as she is South African and Zulu she felt that Zimbabwe was really going to the dogs and in as much as she came to build her life there it was starting to be completely uncomfortable. My older siblings news. That is not having a full show that expresses entertainment. To get main stream jobs you must be straight acting, and if you’re not straight acting you will be a supporting act. The public loves your work but also turn out to be extremely homophobic - they love you but not enough to respect you. I find my self constantly teaching people how to treat me. Some colleagues use phrases like that Stabane, others say that whilst I don’t sound as gay in person, on radio I’m very gay… So it shows a lot of education is needed to change people’s perceptions. I have had colleagues who have constantly tried to shut me down by crushing my confidence telling me that my opinions are too gay and the world has no space for them, especially in South Africa. I have been excluded in campaigns, such as men talking against GBV (Gender Based Violence) because I am not seen by them as not man enough - I am too gay. Homophobia is rife the world over and here in South Africa despite South Africa’s constitution being liberal. Do you encounter homophobia in your daily life and what form does it take?

Its shocking that some of the homophobia I experience is from the very same LGBTQIA+ Community… this has left a bitter taste in my mouth. In as much as much we are a part of the same broader community, we are all different and we all have preferences we should not take away from each

“Being the best version of myself has made me one of the most amazing entertainers.”

were really affected by the move having to change countries in their teen years and start a whole new life and learning new language was tough. But for me being 5 years old I adapted fast. What inspired you to become a radio presenter and where was your first job?

All my life I wanted to be a musician and I must say that radio found me. I started doing radio at LoveLife Y centre orange farm at a narrow casting station as a volunteer when I was in grade 10. I became so good at broadcasting - it was second nature. Everything I learned, to me felt like I had done it before. I then became a radio ground breaker (Radio Learnership at LoveLife) and worked as a facilitator as well. My 1st job as an entertainer was when I joined YFM at the age of 21 as an intern only to become afternoon drive time co-host 4 months into the programme and BUJY was born.

As an Out gay person did you encounter any opposition or discrimination from colleagues or the public? A LOT!!!! Some of these encounters go as far as being extremely career limiting. The only time a gay person can be an anchor on tv is when reading the other so we can be more superior. I refer soecifically to being called fem and fat... still happens all the time.

Worst part of homophobia is when every heterosexual guy assumes you want to sleep with them it’s like you have no choice no morals you just want sex.

And also being denied opportunities because you are gay. In the world of entertainment, what do you consider your big break in what is a very competitive environment? What was your edge? Being the best version of myself has made me one of the most amazing entertainers. I strongly believe there is no big break but taking every opportunity and giving it your ALL. Some opportunities given to me were very small but I was able to elevate them to the next level. I always meet the moment in everything I do FOREVER consistent with my work in public or in private. I constantly work on improving myself and I do not wait for the applause. Most people don’t know the work that goes into being a fully-fledged entertainer, they think it’s the Instagram life, its posting and being an influencer.

Furthermore, the biggest TV show I ever did was dance your butt off on SABC 1. That show changed my life, I never thought it was going to reach over 7 million viewers.

Bujy is your nickname, how did you get the name?

When YFM decided to give me a chance on air I wanted to go by the name of Big J or Big Showman. The team then felt like it didn’t suit me. So, I asked “should I find something BOUGEE?” they said yes. I responded that Bujy it is… They laughed and I changed the whole spelling to BUJY to give it my personal touch.

You have been very visual in several advertising campaigns for some of South Africa’s largest companies. Tell us about the brief spat that you had with Nando’s when they referred to the “Bougee Bowl” – was this matter resolved?

I was just annoyed by the fact that they can have a whole campaign and not think of me? Hahahahahahahahahaha I mean I am a whole MOOD! I wanted to go to their offices, but I ended up just taking them on Twitter. I was expecting a responce by not the one I got!… I ended up going to

“Being Plus-Size has always been something people see in negative light but for me it illustrates that we are all different and we are all beautiful. ”

their offices and doing a Nandos “bougee bowl” tour with Bujy in Johannesburg. Then I won my second Feather Award for wait for it… Drama Queen of the year. And yes, I made money - LOL

You are described in some articles as a DJ, a presenter, singer, television producer, actor, and reality TV star … that is quite a line-up. Tell us a little about each one, like what shows you’ve successfully appeared on and if there are any in the pipeline that readers should know about.

I am a Soul and RnB DJ I play in different pubs and various events

TV presenter on Cula Sibone on Mzansi Magic where I was nominated for 2 Golden Horn awards for Best Presenter. Also did the lockdown show on SABC 1 called The Get Together Experience I have two singles out on all digital platforms - Wena (Sthandwa Sam) and Buyisa ft Rudoluv

I have written and produced 3 local movies for Mzansi Magic entilted Jealous Makhelwane, Pastor Bae and Taxi Queens.

I have acted on so many tv shows and I’m on call for SABC 1 Generations The Legacy as their designer.

I am currently working on my album and a reality tv show that has soooo much life and people get to see the true results of my hard work and my passion in full view.

You became a household name through your involvement with Metro FM but left them earlier this year. I read that you said it was “like leaving a boyfriend you loved very much.” How did leaving Metro FM affect your plans?

Leaving Metro FM has made me grow bigger than what I had imagined. A part of me felt like I was not growing as I should, like I was in a comfortable space, but I really needed to grow… my vision was to have my own show or move to being an anchor rather than contuning as just an on air contributor. I had thought of resigning from the job before but had felt the time wasn’t right so I bowed out with grace with the thoughts of returning one day when all is aligned with my vision.

You have joined Viva Nation Radio as the lunchtime host. How is The Midday Saga with Bujy being received?

I AM HAVING THE TIME OF MY LIFE!!!! The level of liberation and the growth I wanted is coming to life. Since it’s an internet radio station I have been able to see the numbers rise slowly but surely and my on-air skills are far better… I am doing things I never knew I could. The audience is extremely happy with me and with my music I am killing it!

You’ve been referred to as the World’s Best Supersized entertainer – How did this sit with you?

Being Plus-Size has always been something people see in negative light but for me it illustrates that we are all different and we are all beautiful. Embrace yourself and fetch your life, I say. Supersized entertainer means you are larger than life - larger than anything that defines you… YOU stand out and YOU are ready to be seen and to entertain - I truly love it.

Has your size been seen as a negative in forging your career and do you experience any discrimination because of it?

When I started it was OK and entertaining cause they thought I was not going to last so they can cope with me for that season little did they know hahahahahahaha LOL! the higher I went the colder it became, trolls came for me hard! I have been called fat and ugly on social media. That’s when I realised that people are mean and I’m constantly being body-shamed by other gay guys, so I’ve had to retaliate, by showing them I’m better, more talented, more driven and more successful than they could ever be. This year you launched Queer Way of Life, a visual podcast … How is it being received? I never thought I would ever say this, but I will. I am a fucking game changer. I have always wanted to do something that will give queer people a voice and this is exactly it! I saw an opportunity to go to a platform that was already cancelled because of transphobic remarks and changed it to educate and elevate and push visibility in our way and on our terms. I am proud to say it’s one of the leading Queer podacts in Africa. I want it to grow to a live audience. With one Bujy step at the time, all shall come to life.

What are you plans for the future, is there anything we should know about?

I am part of a new duo called Takasi Funk we’re realising an album later this year. Been singing my heart away… Walking on the 1st ever African Queer cruise for 2023 soooo a lot is being done

“your sexuality does not define your destiny. ”

I recently read that “Pursuing your dreams and goals should be in your priority in life without allowing negative people to pull you backwards,” is one of your mottos. Do you still stand by this?

All day, Everyday!!! YOU are the only one who should make such decisions.

I am sure some of our readers are interested to know whether you are currently in a relationship or are in the dating market? Ahhhhh my dating life really sucks man. I think because I am SOOOO ready for commitment and I am extremely monogamous it’s hard to find people who share the same sentiments. I just joined online dating, but everyone is not in Joburg and I don’t do well with long distance relationship. YES, I am looking to share my love after a terrible heart break and being single over a year I am ready I am available.

Do you have any advice for young gay people who might be struggling with coming out or coming to terms with their sexuality?

Dear child your sexuality does not define your destiny. You are worth all the love and the beauty that life has to offer. I know you scared, trust me when I say fear will hold you back from the best version of yourself. The world is yours trust and believe and yes learn to love yourself over and over again and be kind to yourself so you will be kind to others.