From Soweto shebeen queen to reality TV star: meet Big Mama

Showmax has just dropped the first episode of Shebeen Queens, a reality show about the bold women behind popular Soweto shebeens Alina’s Place, Big Mama’s Tavern, and Rama Tavern.

Starring larger-than-life entrepreneurs Alina Sishange, Emily Thabang Leeuw, aka Big Mama, and Xoliswa Shwayimba, the Showmax Original follows the shebeen queens as they try to balance parenting with keeping their businesses afloat in a cut-throat, all-hours industry that is filled with liquor and laughter – and has historically been male-dominated. 

Watch the trailer for Shebeen Queens

Sanelisiwe Mhlati caught up with Big Mama to find out more about Showmax's latest reality TV phenomenon, which is produced by Barkers Media (How To Manifest A Man) and directed by Mpho Lengane (Isencane Lengane). 

Who knows you best?

My girls. My children know me best. As much as we fight, we have an open relationship.

Tell me about your childhood.

During my adolescent years, I was very rebellious. I dropped out of school in grade 7, but I grew up being a cheesegirl. My parents spoiled me. 

How many siblings do you have?

There were six of us, but now there’s just me. The others have passed on.

What was your reaction to being cast in a reality show?

I was shocked, skeptical, and tempted to say no but I saw how consistent and serious the production team was about bringing me on board so I couldn’t resist the opportunity. 

How did your family react to your participation in Shebeen Queens?

They were shocked and in disbelief at first but, once filming started, they were excited.

How has it been adjusting to life in front of the camera?

I adapted quickly to having cameras around. The hardest part is having to be vulnerable and exposing every aspect of my life. 

What can viewers expect from you in Shebeen Queens?

They can expect the truth, plenty of cussing and a whole lot of craziness.

Did you dish the drama, or did you avoid the beef?

Of course I didn’t run away. I dished it out!

How long has Big Mama’s Tavern been in operation?

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. 

I want to leave a legacy for my family. Even though they haven’t shown much interest in the business, I’m grooming my children to take over when I retire. Eventually, I’d also like to expand and open a bottle store here. 

How do you handle the tight competition in your industry?

The competition is there, but what keeps my business successful are my loyal customers and my trading hours. Unlike my competitors, I close shop at 2 am instead of 10 pm. I’m willing to stay up late to gain an edge.

How has your business affected your relationship with your neighbours?

My relationship with my neighbours isn’t great. There’s a lot of tension due to my trading hours, but I don’t care because this is how I take care of my loved ones. Every now and then, they’ll call the metro and report me for noise disturbance.

How was it meeting the other shebeen queens, Xoliswa and Alina?

We love each other so much. We are a family now and we constantly check up on each other. 

What advice would you give to a woman aspiring to run a successful shebeen?

It is important to be patient with your customers. They’re your livelihood, so you must take care of them. Treat them like family, but also know where to draw the line. 

What keeps you motivated?

This business is my livelihood. This is how I survive and manage to feed my family. That’s honestly what keeps me going, despite all the challenges I face.

Tell us about your partner.

Siya is crazy and we have our fallouts but we’ll never break-up. We’ve been together for 18 years and I am still extremely happy with him. 

What’s the secret to keeping love alive for so long?

Be his peace. It took me a while to learn that men don’t like to be yelled at or questioned all the time.

You and Siya are engaged. Any plans on getting married?

We’ve been together for 18 years and engaged for six. We had plans to get married; however, we had to put those plans on hold when Siya was retrenched during the nationwide lockdown.

Describe your dream wedding.

I want a small intimate wedding. This wedding is long overdue; we really need to tie the knot now. I’m still hopeful that it’s going to happen.

Siya is a ladies’ man. How have you overcome infidelity in your relationship?

It gets bad. Siya will disappear for weeks, but he always comes back to me. At my age, I don’t see myself being with another man. Men cheat, so I’m not leaving my fiancé thinking I’ll find better. Men have been cheating for years; it’s just how they are. 

What’s been the funniest moment on set?

When one of my customers confronted his wife for cheating with my fiancé. It was a serious matter, but we all started laughing when, out of nowhere, he encouraged my partner to continue the affair if the wife kept coming onto him. We laughed so hard that day.

Join the conversation: #ShebeenQueens