The Rise And Rise Of Diana Marua

With a TV show under her belt, reality star, Diana Marua, is on the fast track to attaining regional stardom. She speaks to ANDANJE WOBANDA about a troubled childhood, being in the spotlight and how she came to be Mrs. Bahati.

- Andanje Wobanda

Chances are that you have seen hundreds of photographs of her: Diana Marua in form-fitting dresses, holding tightly onto her beau, Gospel singer Bahati, head tilted back smiling at the camera or playing with her baby, Heaven. Or maybe you have just seen her on television on their hit show, Being Bahati that airs every Saturday night at 7:30 on NTV. Three months after its premiere, the show, which has been running for 9 months and is now on its 3rd season, was nominated Best TV show in Kenya at the Kalasha Awards.

Diana Marua falls smack in the middle of that new breed of moms that are mushrooming throughout East Africa. They are the digitally savvy millennial moms with skin as thick as cowhide and a can-do attitude. Without realizing it, she is the perfect benchmark for millennial moms who are trying to figure out what it means to ‘have it all’; be wives, stay fashionable, raise digital savvy kids and maintain a lucrative career.

Diana lived up to expectations when she turned up for this interview —flawless makeup, six-inch heels, a maroon soft faux fur gilet worn over a white t-shirt, and black skinny jeans. She is all casual glam, a combination that screams homemaker, fashionista, and a working mom. It is clear, I am meeting the on-screen Diana. Patient yet firm. Knows what she wants. Fabulous in every way.

Hated and loved in equal measure, this firm but soft-spoken go-getter always makes the news — whether it’s for marrying a younger man, a viral break up video, dealing with a baby mama or for just being herself. With half a million followers on her Instagram page, fans and critiques alike, have been clamoring for her to get her own show.