In a recent interview with Punch, TV personality, motivational speaker and model, Jumai Shaba opened up on why she embraced the new faith. See excerpts below:
Ques: You shocked many with your recent conversion to Christianity, how did this happen?
Ans: It is something I have been thinking of for a long time. I come from a family of Muslims; my father and siblings are Muslims while my mother is a Christian. To come from a predominantly Muslim background and then become a Christian has to be your calling especially if you are into entertainment. It was my calling. I had to not just be a Christian, but to also live as a Christian. I am very compelled to spread the gospel and that is what I do on my Sunday Vlog series.
Ques: But you were happy being a Muslim?
Ans: Yes, as a Muslim, I was happy but I always yearned for a deeper connection with my creator. One day, I accompanied a friend of mine to a Catholic church and I loved the manner in which they communicated with God. I knew at that moment that I would never turn back. I turned down the chance to run a huge reality show with my sisters in order for me to attend Discipleship School. I got baptised shortly after and gave my life completely to Christ.
Ques: How did you handle reactions from family, fans and friends?
Ans: I didn’t really face any criticism from my father, who is a Muslim but married to a Christian. Obviously, he wanted his children to practise his own religion, but I chose to go with my mother’s side of the divide. As a Muslim, I was very pro-Islam and now as a Christian I am very passionate about my faith. I think my siblings were very shocked at my conversion. They see my lifestyle and have also come to realise that it is not just a phase that I am passing through. The bulk of the criticism I faced was from my Muslim fans and followers especially, on Instagram. They challenged the reason for my conversion.
Ques: Many people are of the opinion that you were looking for an excuse to run a Vlog like some of your colleagues?
Ans: That is not true. I spread the gospel on my Vlog and also talk about how to live your life to the fullest abiding by the tenets of the religion.
Ques: Do you believe in love and marriage?
Ans: I can’t be a born-again Christian and not believe in marriage because it helps. I like the whole idea of a man and a woman coming together to help each other. My idea of an ideal marriage is one where respect and love thrive.
Ques: Your industry is associated with a lot of fakeness. What are your thoughts?
Ans: Even if you are the most real person people will still speak ill of you. However, if you are consistent with being yourself, after a while, you can’t fake anything again. I am true to myself, I don’t put on any airs and I am proud of all that I have achieved for myself by sheer hard work and resilience.