Meet the big mamas, from Soweto's shebeen queens to reality TV stars.
Showmax is Shebeen Queensis a reality TV show that shines the spotlight on the incredible women behind Soweto's iconic shebeens Alina's Place, Big Mama's Tavern and Rams Tavern.
Starring powerhouse entrepreneurs Alina Sishange, Emily Taban Lu (aka Big Mama) and Xoliswa Shweimba, the show follows the queens as they juggle motherhood and business in the high-stakes, 24-hour world of the shebeen, historically dominated by men but now filled with booze, laughter and lots of courage.
We caught up with Big Mama to find out more about this reality TV topic.
Big Mama Talks Life, Business, and 'Shebeen Queens'
Who knows you best? My daughters, my kids know me inside and out, and we argue sometimes, but it's a very open relationship.
Tell me about your childhood. I was quite the rebel in my teens – I dropped out in the seventh grade – but I was spoiled by my parents and grew up as a cheese girl.
How many siblings do you have? There were six of us and now I'm the only one left, the others have passed away.
How did you feel about being on a reality TV show? I was shocked and skeptical and was close to turning it down, but was moved by the tenacity and enthusiasm of the production team.
What was your family's reaction? They were surprised at first, but then got excited when the cameras started rolling.
How have you adjusted to life in front of the camera? I adapted quickly but exposing my vulnerability and putting every part of my life on display was the hardest part.
What can viewers expect from you? Shebeen Queens? They will see the truth, a lot of swearing, and a lot of insanity.
Did you cause drama or avoid it? I didn't hesitate and offered!
How long has Big Mama's Tavern been open? This has been a family business for many years. My mother ran it until she passed away. I got my official license in 2004, so we've been running it successfully for almost 20 years now. I'm raising my children to take over the business one day, and I'd like to open a liquor store here as well.
How do you deal with competition in your industry? Competition is fierce, but my store has an advantage thanks to loyal customers and late-night hours: unlike my rivals who close at 10pm, I stay open until 2am.
How has your business affected relationships with your neighbors?I am nervous because I work late at night, but I don't care. Even if the police get called for a noise complaint, this business supports my loved ones.
What was it like meeting the other shebeen queens, Xoliswa and Alina? We have become a family, we love each other and we keep in regular contact.
What advice would you give to aspiring shebeen owners? Patience is key: your customers are your livelihood, so treat them like family, but know where to draw the line.
What keeps you motivated? This business is how I survive and provide for my family, and that's what drives me through all the difficulties.
Tell me about your partner. Siya has a wild personality and we have good and bad times, but we are strong and even after 18 years together, I am very happy with him.
What is the secret to a long-lasting relationship? Be his peace. I've found that men don't like to be constantly questioned or yelled at.
You're engaged to Siya. What are your wedding plans? We've been engaged for six years, but the pandemic has delayed our plans. Still, we hope to get married soon.
Describe your dream wedding. I want a small, intimate ceremony – it's something I've wanted for a long time and now is the time to make it happen.
Siya is known to be a womaniser, how have you dealt with infidelity? It's hard. He disappears for weeks but always comes back. I accept that men cheat and I'm not going to leave my fiancé thinking I'll find someone better.
What was the funniest moment on set? One day, a client confronted me about his wife cheating on me with my fiancé. I was nervous, but we had a good laugh when the client told my partner to keep cheating if his wife kept coming on to him. We didn't stop laughing that day.
The first episode of “Shebeen Queens,” whose promotional TikTok video has already garnered 1.7 million views, is available to watch now on Showmax.
Showmax Online Point of View: She is a queen and will always be a queen 👑🙌. #ShebeenQueens releases on August 22nd 🔥.
♬ Original Sound – ShowmaxOnline
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