Over the years, Kenyan actress Jackie Matubia has kept our tongues wagging with her headline-grabbing relationships involving her two baby daddies, which have faced intense public scrutiny. But does she care? Not one bit.
The Kalasha-nominated performer proudly embraces her blended family, shutting down critics with her unwavering grace. Jackie often takes to social media to share heartfelt tributes to her exes, proving she’s all about harmony over drama.
And those public whispers about her love life? Jackie couldn’t be more unbothered. Her priority remains creating strong, meaningful bonds for her daughters – no matter what anyone says.
Jackie now stars in Showmax’s newest reality show, The Mommy Club NBO, a spinoff of the record-breaking franchise.
In an exclusive with Showmax, Jackie talks about joining The Mommy Club:
From Tahidi High to Salem, and now The Mommy Club NBO. Why this show?
Back in 2023, I called it when The Mommy Club SA premiered, I posted on Instagram ,saying, “Mommy Club KE!” I kept manifesting by telling everyone, “Mommy Club Kenya is happening!” So, when the call finally came, I was like, “Manifestation works!”
Furthermore, as a huge reality TV fan – The Real Housewives of Lagos, Dubai, Nairobi, Abuja, you name it – joining this show was a dream come true. It felt like my vibe.
You talked about being a fan of The Mommy Club franchise. Who is your favourite mom from the four other editions so far?
Mrs Mops from The Mommy Club SA. I reached out to her on social media even before joining this show, and we have kept in touch – she is such an amazing woman. Funny thing: I haven’t told her yet that I’m joining the Kenyan edition. I hope it will be a great surprise.
You are the queen of juggling! What’s your secret to balancing motherhood, career, and, well, everything else? Any tips for other moms out there?
Yes, I am the queen – raising two beautiful daughters and thriving at the top of my career. If I don’t give myself credit, who will? I have learned to celebrate myself because I’m the one putting in the work. Balancing it all? Oh, it is no walk in the park. It feels like I am living 48 hours in a 24-hour day – squeezing in time for work, my kids, friends, and even myself. I may win big as an actress but sometimes lose as a mom – my kids go to bed without me or wake up when I am not there. That’s the hard truth about juggling everything. You win some; you lose some.
It’s been a minute since you separated from your last situationship. Are you looking to find love again in 2025?
It took two years of celibacy for me to figure out what I need and want. After two marriages, I realised I didn’t even know what I wanted in a man. Two different people, two different styles – I had to pause and rediscover myself.
My ideal men? Tall, chocolate, with beards. Oh, I love a good beard! Maybe even a silver fox vibe. But more than looks, I want someone who will love me, appreciate me, respect me, and, most importantly, adore me. Fingers crossed – 2025, here I come!
Do any of your baby daddies appear on this show?
Unfortunately, no. I don’t know where my second baby daddy is. But my first baby daddy is around. However, he has always been an off-camera kind of person.
You’re so open about co-parenting. What advice do you have for other moms navigating similar situations?
To all mothers out there: It’s not about you. It’s not about your partner. It’s about the kids. Here’s my take: you don’t have to see eye to eye or even talk to each other. But if the father is willing to be in the child’s life, let him. Kids need that connection.
If you could swap lives with any other mom in this show or in the world for a day, who would it be and why?
In this show, I would still choose me – 100%! I love being me. Don’t get me wrong, I respect the other ladies and their relationships, but nothing about their lives makes me want to swap. Mine is just as interesting.
But in the world? Oh my God, Beyoncé! Who wouldn’t want to be her? And Taraji P Henson – she is my icon. A single mom balancing everything like a boss. She’s at the top of her career, an amazing actress, an entrepreneur, and she handles it all with such grace.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
People think I’m mean. Sorry, guys, it is just my resting b**** face! (laughs)
What’s the weirdest thing you have ever googled related to parenting?
How to have a conversation with my preteen girl about sexual health.
We grew up in homes where our parents couldn’t even bring up these topics. Even getting your first period was a big deal. I remember when I got mine – I had to wait for my dad and brothers to leave the house before I could even talk to my mom! With my girls, I want them to feel free to feel safe, free, and open with me.
How do you handle online scrutiny about your personal life, especially being in the public eye?
At first, it really got to me. But then I realised I just needed to grow thick skin. People are judging me based on the 10% of my life that I’ve shared with them on social media. They think that the 10% is my entire life. It is not even half, not even a quarter, it’s just the part I choose to show.
So, if you’re judging me based on that, fine. I can’t blame you, you’re only seeing what I let you see. At the end of the day, usiku mtalala, asubuhi tutamka!
Watch Jackie in The Mommy Club NBO dropping on May 30only on Showmax.
Join the conversation: #TheMommyClubNBO
