SNAPPY 7: Judy Maina – It was an honour to be a ‘politician’ for a while – VIDEO
She is young and ambitious and was glad to have been featured as the main actor in the political web series Ms Politician were she played an aspiring candidate. She talked to Nairobi News about her role especially during the just concluded general elections.
1. Who is Judy Maina? I am an actor and a student at Africa Nazarene University, majoring in Mass Communication and Broadcast. I actually intend to be a news anchor when I’m done with my education. I’m a simple person, motivated, hardworking and I am a feminist. This is the age of women empowerment.
2. When did you start acting? I started at Olympic Primary School where I was in the drama club and I remember when I was on the stage I would get this adrenaline rush and I felt like the stage is where I belonged. When I joined the professionals I was comfortable with the small roles that they gave me. I gave it my all and I knew I would slowly but surely progress.
3. Why an anchor? It has been a passion for me, especially watching Julie Gichuru when she used to anchor news. She has been my role model and I remember I used to see her and tell my mother that one day I will be like her. Another thing is that I have always wanted to be in front of the camera. I feel like that is where I belong. I love talking to people and interacting with them. I’m a people person.
4. What role did you play in the political web series Ms Politician? I played Sifa Dede. When I got this role I said yes. Most of the shows I watch do not have a strong woman lead, so when I got it, it was a pat on my back to myself. I have always believed women can change the world and having this opportunity opened my eyes so much to try and create this change to peoples mind that we can do it as same as the men.
5. How was it shooting the show during the political season? It was like an exam leakage. I used to watch politicians doing their campaigns and tried to bring the same energy to the show. Before the show I was not that much into politics. When I got the role I had to go to the internet and do research. How does Hilary Clinton talk, Michelle Obamas dress code and the passion they heard. But also the people behind the show motivated me a lot. It was an honour to be a politician for a while.
6. What is your weakest moment? It happened when I was shooting Ms Politician. In one of the episodes I had won and I was giving my thanks giving speech, back stage I was crying because I thought everyone was expecting so much more from me. I felt the wait on my shoulder so I started bawling but luckily Jaymo Ule Msee was there to console me. He told me that if I had come that far, it is nothing and I should get over it and finish on a good note.
7. How do you take it easy at home? I love to write poems, I sing a bit and try to sing them. But at the end of the day, I am a big sister to a lot of people. Most of the time I like hanging out with my family. I’m more of an indoor person.