Publications
HONEY TV has bagged its first male host, signing Zambia’s Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya to present Mom Vs. Wife, a quirky, fresh and heart-warming cooking show on DStv’s newest lifestyle channel, HONEY TV. Fronting Zambia’s newest offering on the HONEY platform, the popular media personality will preside over one of married life’s great conundrums, namely who produces the best version of a man’s favourite dish – his wife or his mother? Food is what brings families together, and in Mom Vs. Wife some friendly competition in the kitchen adds just the right about of spice.
Jonah sat down with us to share his experience of being the channel’s first male host.
When did your role as presenter for Mom Vs. Wife begin?
I received a call to audition at the start of the year for a new show and a new channel, and was signed in time for shooting to start in April 2021.
Tell us more about your role as a presenter on the show?
It’s quite a fun experience. I have learned a few things about myself as a presenter and the need to always be open to learning. Aside from that, I’ve learned a bit about cooking and about the interesting dynamics that exist within different families. Suffice to say, it is not a very easy job to do (laughs).
How does it feel to be the first male host on HONEY TV?
You know, I have only just realized that that's the case. I guess I'll be going down in the HONEY TV history book! That's quite exciting and, most importantly, humbling.
How do you juggle your roles as a presenter, a radio personality and a news anchor?
Juggling hasn’t been easy, but I’m grateful for the fact that both teams I work with are respectful of both elements of my professional life and allow me to effectively execute at both ends. It is exciting to always have something to do.
What about your role as the presenter at Mom Vs. Wife do you love and enjoy?
I’m allowed to be myself and that’s probably the best thing that can happen to a TV host. I enjoy and love being there because while it is a very professional and serious set, I’m still able to express my witty and goofy side, which is something that is shared by almost everyone involved with the show.
What are you learning or have already learned from presenting the show?
I’ve learned that in-laws are truly not as horrible as they are often perceived. After interacting with different families, I certainly feel inspired to start my own, and one that represents the love and bonds I have witnessed.
How does Mom Vs. Wife select candidates for its show?
Families that are willing to be part of the show have to get in touch with the producers and express an interest in participating. It is then left to the production team to decide who will be featured.
What are the highlights of your career?
Being presenter of Mom Vs. Wife is definitely one of them. This is the first opportunity I’ve had to expose my talent to the rest of Africa, and I hope this won’t be the last time. In addition, I’ve been named Best TV Presenter three times at the MISA Zambia Awards, the most prestigious media awards in Zambia. I won the first one in 2017, when I was only 20, making me the youngest person to ever win that award, and no-one else has won it since. Lol. The category was actually removed from the last awards ceremony.
What challenges do you face in your career?
The Zambian media and TV industry is still growing, so it is not so easy to make the big moves. This is a bit of a challenge, but definitely not much of a hurdle because the growth is still coming.
What’s next for Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya?
To be the next big thing, and soon. I believe the world has only one standard. It doesn’t matter where you come from. Once you meet that standard, success is not even in question.
Follow Jonah.
Catch Mom Vs. Wife every Wednesday on DStv 173, WAT 17:30 | CAT 18:30 | EAT 19:30.
