Big Mama talks fame and challenges as one of the stars in ‘Shebeen Queens’
Mzansi has always been known for its top-tier party vibes, so it’s no surprise that Showmax’s latest reality show, “Shebeen Queens”, is already a massive hit.
The show gives viewers a first-hand look at what it’s like to run a shebeen as a woman in South Africa.
Since its debut, “Shebeen Queens” has already left social media buzzing with commentary.
The show, directed by Mpho Lengane (“Isencane Lengane”), follows the bold women behind three of Soweto’s most iconic shebeens: Alina’s Place, Big Mama’s Tavern and Rams Tavern.
These larger-than-life entrepreneurs - Alina Sishange, Emily Thabang Leeuw (aka Big Mama) and Xoliswa Shwayimba - juggle parenting and running their businesses in a male-dominated industry filled with liquor, laughter and a whole lot of hustle.
With the show is , it’s no wonder viewers are hooked.
Big Mama herself shares the low-down on this new TV phenomenon. Reflecting on her experience, she said: “I was shocked and couldn’t believe it at first. But when they approached me, I told myself to go for it.”
Big Mama said the opportunity to be on the show took her by surprise.
“I was shocked and couldn’t believe it at first. But when they approached me, I told myself to go for it.”
And what you see is what you get. “That’s the real me behind the screen. I’m natural with my haircut and dye and I’m confident being on camera,” she said.
“Not everyone likes me and some are jealous and shocked to see me on screen. But many are proud and happy.”
With fame also comes unwanted attention.
“Now more men are trying to get closer to me, even those who never greeted me before, including married men. But I don’t entertain them at all,” she stated.
“I just couldn’t believe it; now, when I go out or to the mall, people ask for photos and autographs. They respect me now.”
Big Mama also offered valuable advice for other women trying to succeed.
“Women need to know that being a single woman means hustling and not depending on men. You should provide for your kids.”
Her commitment to hard work and self-reliance is clear. “My customers are very excited, they respect me, and they’ve learned a lot from me,” she added.
To Big Mama, it all boils down to “self-respect and ambition”.
As for the business, Big Mama’s Tavern has been running strong for nearly two decades.
“This shebeen has been in the family for years. My mother ran it before she passed away. I officially obtained the required permit and licensing rights in 2004, so the business has been running for nearly 20 years.”
Looking ahead, Big Mama hopes to leave a legacy for her family, even though her children haven’t shown much interest in the business yet. She’s grooming them to take over when she retires and dreams of expanding the business to include a bottle store.
∎ “Shebeen Queens”, which is a celebration of the hustle, resilience, and spirit of Mzansi’s women, is streaming on Showmax.