Discover 10 key facts about Zubedah Byantalo, the Ugandan actress, TV presenter, YouTuber and entrepreneur whose real name is Shamim Mayanja. Learn about her family, businesses, media career and charity work.
Zubedah Byantalo, Shamim Mayanja, Ugandan YouTuber, Executive Media, Hijab Nation, Geebs Bridals, Mimiz Glamour, Ugandan TV presenter, StarTimes Uganda
Few Ugandan personalities have built a brand as wide and as lasting as Zubedah Byantalo. She appears on screen as an actress and TV presenter, runs one of the country’s most recognised YouTube channels, owns fashion and beauty businesses, and gives back through charity work, all while raising a large family. Here are ten facts that explain who she is and why so many people follow her journey.
Her Real Name Is Shamim Mayanja
Many fans know her as Zubedah Byantalo, but her birth name is Shamim Mayanja. Zubedah Byantalo is the name she uses online and in her public work, and it has become a trusted brand across social media and television. Today, most people searching for her will type her online name, though her original name remains part of her story.
She Was Born on May 16, 1991
Zubedah was born on May 16, 1991, which makes her one of the successful young women in Uganda’s media and business scene. She was born in Uganda and is proudly a Muganda, which ties her to the Buganda culture, language and traditions that many of her fans share and celebrate.
She Is Educated in Mass Communication and Journalism
Behind the cameras and the online fame is a solid academic foundation. Zubedah holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. This training shapes how she presents, tells stories and manages media projects. It also explains why her content feels professional, well structured and easy to connect with, whether it appears on television or on YouTube.
She Is a TV Presenter at StarTimes
Television is a major part of her career. Zubedah works as a TV presenter with StarTimes, one of the popular pay television providers in the region. Her presenting skills have helped her reach audiences who may never have seen her online content, which has further grown her reputation as a trusted and familiar face in Ugandan entertainment.
She Wears Many Hats in the Entertainment Industry
Zubedah is an actress, a mother, an influencer, a YouTuber, an entrepreneur and a content creator. Few public figures balance so many roles at once. Her acting brings drama and humour to her audience, while her influencer work shapes conversations around fashion, family life and lifestyle. Together, these roles make her a complete modern media personality.
She Is the Owner of Executive Media
One of her biggest achievements is owning Executive Media, a company behind one of the largest YouTube channels in Uganda. The channel has become a leading platform for local entertainment, drawing viewers who enjoy relatable stories and fresh content. Building such a channel takes consistency, creativity and business sense, and Zubedah has shown all three over the years.
She Works Closely With Kasuku on YouTube
Much of her YouTube work is done in partnership with Kasuku. Their collaboration has produced content that many viewers return to again and again. The chemistry between them, along with their shared understanding of what Ugandan audiences enjoy, has been a key reason the channel continues to grow and stay relevant in a crowded digital space.
She Is Married to Bicco and Has Six Children
Family sits at the heart of Zubedah’s life. She is married to Bicco, and together they have six children. Bicco is also the producer of her show, so the couple works side by side in business and in life. Raising six children while managing a demanding career is a remarkable balancing act, and it is one of the reasons many mothers and young women look up to her.
She Owns Geebs Bridals and Mimiz Glamour
Beyond media, Zubedah is a hands on entrepreneur. She owns Geebs Bridals, a business serving brides and wedding needs, and Mimiz Glamour, which focuses on style and beauty. These ventures show her ability to turn her influence into real, lasting businesses that serve customers and create opportunities for others.
She Hosts Hijab Nation Every Year and Runs a Charity Organisation
Zubedah is also the yearly host of Hijab Nation, an event that celebrates modest fashion and the community around it. Her role as host reflects her strong connection to her audience and her faith community. She also runs a charity organisation, using her platform and success to support people in need. This work shows that her influence goes beyond entertainment and business into real community impact.