Kim Jayde is a name that has become synonymous with innovation, authenticity, and breaking barriers. As a celebrated broadcaster, entrepreneur, and creative visionary, she has seamlessly transitioned through multiple roles, making an indelible mark on the media, fashion, and entrepreneurial landscapes. Whether hosting shows on MTV Base, advocating for diversity in global campaigns, or building her own thriving business, Kim embodies the essence of a trailblazer committed to reshaping the narrative for African talent.
Her feature in My Barbie Story remains one of the most iconic highlights of her career. “Growing up, all the Barbies we had were blonde and blue-eyed,” she shared. “Then one day, my dad brought home a Teresa Barbie—a brown-skinned doll with dark hair—and it changed everything for me. It was the first time I saw beauty that looked like me.” Being selected as one of just 64 women globally to share her story was a defining moment. “It’s about showing every young girl out there, especially African girls, that they belong and that their beauty is valid,” she said.
Kim’s journey to success is rooted in resilience and her ability to adapt. From her early days as a model and blogger, she quickly learned to build something meaningful from the ground up. “Before MTV, I was a broke model with a blog,” she recalled. “But that taught me how to be resourceful, collaborate with others, and create opportunities for myself.” This foundation of hard work and collaboration has remained central to her evolving career.
As a broadcaster, Kim brought an unmatched energy to screens, hosting some of MTV Base’s most prominent entertainment segments and red carpets. “Those experiences taught me the importance of storytelling on a grand scale,” she said. Her vibrant presence and ability to connect with audiences solidified her status as a household name in media.
In 2024 Kim added another major highlight to her profile as the host for Miss World Zimbabwe. She is a proud ambassador of her roots and always ensures to fly her home country flag high. “I’m unapologetically Zimbabwean. I’ve been blessed to achieve my dreams here in South Africa, but I’ll always carry where I come from with me. It’s what makes me unique. No country is perfect, but every place we come from gives us something special.”
Beyond her broadcasting achievements, Kim’s passion for representation has extended into her deep love for sneaker culture. With a collection nearing 200 pairs, one pair stands out—the Off-White Jordan 4s in the Sail colorway. “I met the late Virgil Abloh in Soho, New York,” she shared. “I followed him for a block, and when he turned around, I told him how much I admired him. On another occasion I saw him perform a DJ set in Belgium. Owning those sneakers feels like holding a piece of his legacy.”
Her connection to sneaker culture inspired her to launch Kickin It with Kim Jayde, a show that explores sneakers and the stories behind them. “At the time, there weren’t many women talking about sneaker culture,” she said. “I wanted to create a space to not only celebrate sneakers but also dive into the lives, careers, and passions of the people who wear them.” The show, which began during the pandemic, has since featured high-profile guests like DJ Clark Kent, Costa Titch, Blackie, and Durban Gogo, and has garnered widespread acclaim.
Now, Kim is preparing to take Kickin It with Kim Jayde to new heights. “This year, I plan on taking the show overseas (LA, NYC , London or Paris) and expanding on last year’s episodes shot in Ohio” she revealed. “There are so many Africans doing amazing things overseas, and I want to amplify those stories on a global stage.”
Her career is adorned with numerous accolades that underscore her influence and impact in the media and fashion industries. In 2018, she was honored as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30, highlighting her as a young leader shaping the future of the continent. “I got the Forbes 30 Under 30 nod when I was still on MTV Base and MTV Africa. That was a really incredible year because I was alongside Trevor Stuurman, Boity and Rich Mnisi, just to name a few. To be in the class of such incredible people was such an honor,” she shared.
Kim was also recognized as the Media Personality of the Year at the 2018 Zimbabwe Achievers Awards, celebrating her contributions to media both in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
Kim’s exceptional style and content creation have also earned her multiple awards. In 2022, she secured the Fashion and Style Award at the DStv Content Creator Awards, a testament to her innovative approach to fashion and digital media. The following year, she was bestowed with the Most Innovative Style Award at the South Africa Style Awards, further cementing her status as a fashion icon. In 2023 she was also acknowledged as one of Drum Magazine’s Top 50 Inspiring Women which continues to affirm her impact.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Reflecting on 2024, Kim shared, “Last year was the hardest year of my life. My mental health really suffered, and I went through a lot personally and professionally. But I’ve come out stronger, and I’ve learned to trust God’s plan for me.” Her faith and a strong support system of women have been instrumental in helping her navigate difficult times. “Faith and hard work have always been my foundation. No matter how tough things get, I know there’s a purpose in every experience.”
Kim remains focused on growing her entrepreneurial ventures and pursuing impactful projects through KJ Productions. One of her latest endeavors is her role as a marketing and creative strategist for MOTE (Monkey On The Elephant), a soon-to-launch restaurant in Fourways specializing in ethnic cuisine. “It’s a space where people can feel at home, especially those of us who are far from our families,” she explained. The restaurant, which will offer traditional comfort foods, reflects her passion for creating inclusive and meaningful experiences.
She is also collaborating with the South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (SAFLEC) & Nerisha Jairaj, Executive Director of SAFLEC, to help amplify awareness locally and internationally about how they help local designers to not only showcase their talent but also sell their products to a global audience. “There’s so much creativity in South Africa, and I want to help amplify that talent on an international level,” she said.
Kim’s creative ambitions don’t stop there. Exclusively, she revealed plans for new international episodes of Kickin It with Kim Jayde and teased other exciting collaborations in the pipeline. “This year is all about growth—personally and professionally. I’m focusing on projects that align with my vision for creating impactful content and amplifying African talent.”
Kim Jayde’s story is one of resilience, faith and purpose. Whether she’s telling stories through sneakers, championing diversity in global campaigns, or creating spaces for connection and collaboration, Kim is redefining what it means to be a multifaceted creative. “If my journey can inspire even one person to believe in themselves, then it’s all worth it,” she said. For Kim, the future is bold, bright, and unapologetically hers.
FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT : @jabu.pix for KJ Productions
COVER IMAGE CREDIT: @DeeSquared Photography for KJ Production
CONNECT WITH KIM JAYDE
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