For Sheilah Gashumba, time spent doing what she loves is never wasted, as she reveals to Zen in this intimate glimpse of her life. Born in Uganda in the 90′s, Sheilah is a TV presenter, model, writer, dancer and MC who has been working on TV since she was 8 years old. 9 years later and with less than 1 week to her 18th birthday, Sheilah let’s us in to talk about how it all started and what we can expect from her this year.
Zen: How did you get into Television?
Sheilah: Well, I got into television when I was 8 years old. I remember escorting my Dad (Mr.Frank Gashumba) to a talk show at WBS TV and he told me to wait in the lobby. While I was waiting in the lobby, a kid was presenting her show and I whispered to my dad “I can do better than her.” So the producer heard me and thought I couldn’t do it so she said “You think you do what she is doing, grab the microphone and lets see if you can.” So I grabbed the microphone, presented and I think I left her and everyone in the room in shock because she asked my dad to bring me back the next day. The next day I went with my dad and that’s how I started working on TV as a kid’s news anchor and presenter of Kids Corner on WBS TV. When I turned 13, I moved to TEENS CLUB on WBS TV. I was also the youngest journalist to cover the Common Wealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and later moved to East Africa’s best TV channel NTV Uganda. I am now a presenter of the Teens Magazine TV show called T-Nation.
Zen: Have you always wanted to be a presenter?
Sheilah: Not really! The opportunity found me and I had to learn to love it and grow with it but its now something I can’t live without.
Zen: What’s the energy like on set before you record?
Sheilah: I have been working on TV for almost a decade and this year will officially make it 10 years. Working on television has become a part of my life and the energy on set is always incredible.
Zen: What has been your best moments as a presenter?
Sheilah: Every moment I spend as a TV presenter is always amazing because I get to learn so much from everyone around me. I have so many incredible moments though my best moments are when I get appreciated for my work either through awards I win or even been nominated. A few of my best moments include The Super Talent Awards 2012 where I was voted the Most Gifted Teen, the Buzz Teenz Awards in 2013 where I was voted the Best Teenz TV Show Presenter, Most Supportive TV Presenter for Kadanke Brand House, and the Best Teens TV Presenter for Radio And TV Awards in 2013. It’s a humbling experience and I am completely honoured.
Zen: You also model. Tell us how it has been modelling from Uganda?
Sheilah: The modelling industry in Uganda is growing daily. It has so much potential that the whole of Africa and Europe should look out for us. The best example is Aamito who just won Africa’s Next Top Model. We have dedicated people in the modelling industry in Uganda who are working tirelessly to put Uganda on the modelling and fashion map in the world. People like Joram Muzira, C.E.O of Joram Model Management Uganda where Aamito was signed before she won Africa’s Next Top Model are some of the people who are projecting Uganda positively in the modelling world.
Zen: How does it feel to know the 1st ever Africa’s next top model is from your country?
Sheilah: As a young African girl, I feel that it is an opportunity for all African models who have the talent, charisma and the faith to do their very best. This will also bring out African fashion to the whole world. I am grateful that a Ugandan is the first ever Africa’s Next Top Model and to crown it up she is a personal friend.
Zen: Do you think this will inspire a new generation of models from Uganda?
Sheilah: The fact that a Ugandan won it will be a source of inspiration to the young Ugandan models.Aamito is humble, approachable and will be an inspiration to so many.
Zen: As a traveller, any special places you can recommend people to visit while in Uganda?
Sheilah: Travellers who would love to explore Uganda should check out the Chobe Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchson Falls, and the Mweya Safari Lodge. Uganda is the Pearl of Africa and we have so many tourists attractions.
Zen: Describe your fashion style to us.
Sheilah: My motto is “Less is more”. My fashion style depends on the occasion, weather, audience and my mood so it cuts across various styles from bold, sophisticated, urban, funky and retro. I also love playing around with fabrics because I believe fashion is art.
Zen: What do you like about African fashion?
Sheilah: African fashion changes every time, however, it’s having a great impact in the fashion world. We have long moved on from the idea of African design being simple and of course, as with any competitive market, there will always be new talents changing the game. I love the fabrics and the way the fashion makes you stand out. I love it!
Zen: Who would you say are your top 4 African designers?
Sheilah: Santa Anzo of Arapapa Fashion, Lawrence Okoronkwo of Renzioni, Mai Atafo and Ozwald Boateng
Zen: What’s next for the Sheilah?
Sheilah: Woooow, there are so many things coming up! Ambition is everything and that’s my motto.January has just started and, like I always say, I will hustle until I don’t have to introduce myself. I want to move my TV career not only in Uganda but across Africa this year and it’s already being worked on. I am also planning to launch a clothing line soon and I am hoping to work with a lot of magazines and brands as a commercial model. I will also be launching my website before the end of February and my charity organisation “Young Bodies Big Hearts” has a lot of projects to do this year to leave a smile on the needy. We just finished Aamito’s Welcome press Conference andWelcome Back Party as the event organisers so there is so much happening presently and I will do my best to keep you informed as things unfold.
Source: zenmagazineafrica.com
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