Bujy Bikwa – On His Journey, The Industry & LGBTQI Representation

We love Bujy for many public reasons – his loveable, bubbly, and honest presence. Bujy Bikwa is well known as a radio host, TV presenter, and Producer. In this interview he opens up about his journey in Showbiz, industry challenges, and the representation of the LGBTQI in mainstream media.

MUZI: Being an all-rounder (radio host, TV presenter, MC, and producer) what’s really your first love? Have you always wanted to be in the entertainment industry?

BUJY: Growing up I knew more than anything that I wanted to be an entertainer. I was more exposed to music at that time, but I never recorded anything, I just sang at home. I then moved to being a facilitator, there I experienced major growth. At the age of 16, I joined radio- further growing my love and passion for entertainment. So, I don’t have a particular first love, but I’ve always known where I wanted to be…

MUZI: You’ve had an amazing journey so far and your work speaks for itself, what do you consider to be your career highlight?

BUJY: I have done so much thus I can’t point out a specific highlight as it would mean the other jobs I’ve done don’t matter. Like there’s really no highlight but lessons I’ve learned with each and every opportunity I’ve been presented with. Another thing about me is I am always excited about getting a job, so I’d say my biggest highlight was being unemployed (laughs).

MUZI: You have been open about your sexuality from the time you’ve started in showbiz…have you noticed any progress with LGBTI representation in mainstream media?

BUJY: My sexuality has played a major role in my career. I’ve always been open about my sexuality hence I got the name Bujy. When I started on YFM I went by Big J and they said to find something “more gay”, my response was “should I find something more Bujy?” and that’s how the name came about. 

With regards to LGBTQI representation, I say it’s going really well as my colleagues are doing amazing things in the industry. I feel, though, that we still have a long way to go to liberate ourselves financially, with ourselves and with our families. We have a lot of work to do in terms of appreciating ourselves and pulling each other up.

MUZI: Have you ever had any instances where you felt judged in this industry because of your sexuality?
BUJY: It happens all the time. There was a time I struggled whether to be known as a gay entertainer or just an entertainer. A challenge about being negatively judged as a gay entertainer is being rejected by the gay community as they feel you don’t represent them well. It really saddens me as you are told: “you are not gay enough” because being gay is attached to being “materialistic” which is not true.

MUZI: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
BUJY: Firstly, the South African entertainment industry needs to portray a realistic image of entertainers, a majority of our colleagues are experiencing depression and anxiety attacks because of the pressure. Secondly, I’d change how the industry seems limited as if there’s no space for new entertainers, I feel it shouldn’t be like that.

MUZI: Are there any current or future projects that you are busy with?
BUJY: Well I’m still working with MetroFm, I’m also about to release a single titled “Buyisa” on the 6th of November. The song speaks about being taken advantage by someone you love in a relationship. I’m also busy with Soul Sunday Sessions where I’m working on my Soul and RnB DJ skills.

MUZI: How would you like to be remembered?

BUJY: I’d love to be remembered as a young boy who came through, gave his all, and was never stopped by anything. When he was told ‘no’ on the radio he went to TV, when they said ‘no’ on TV he went to Production. When everybody said ‘no’ on Production he went and produced a film (laughs). So, I’d like to be remembered as someone who gave his all, basically a legendary entertainer.

 Images supplied by Bujy.

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