Maya Jama has announced a surprising career move outside of television following her split from rapper Stormzy.
The Love Island host has announced that she is set to try her hand at theatre producing, starting with the West End transfer of Bush Theatre’s production of Benedict Lombe‘s romance Shifters.
Actor Iris Elba and rapper Little Simz have also signed on to the project as producers.
Shifters is due to have a 9-week limited run at the Duke of York’s Theatre from August 12 until October 12.
Starring Heather Agyepong and Tosin Cole, the story follows Dre and Des, two young, gifted Black individuals whose lives intersect years after taking different paths. As they navigate new secrets and old scars, they question if fate has brought them back together.
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Heather Agyepong (“School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play”) and Tosin Cole (“Supacell,” “Doctor Who”), who are reprising their roles from the original Bush Theatre production.
During the show’s run, there will also be a pop-up initiative titled Shifting The Narrative Bookshop, showcasing Black British playwriting, literature and poetry. The bookshop will operate from August 12-20 in the theatre’s outer foyer, offering titles that focus on Black joy, love and celebration.
Taking to Instagram to share a slew of pictures from the production and opened up about her decision to come onboard with her 3.2m followers.
Jama said: “I’m so excited to be a part of bringing Benedict Lombe’s beautiful play, SHIFTERS, to the West End.
“I feel like I know these characters, I know their story, and it’s also really wonderful to be able to see yourself represented in art, that’s the most important part of it.”
Her friends and fans were quick to offer their congratulations and well wishes in the comments section.
“This is so cool @mayajama!” penned fellow TV presenter Julia Goddard, going on to declare Jama a “legend”.
“Huge congrats,” penned another, adding “love this look on you”.
