In a class of her own

Jajube Mandiela, Degrassi�s next breakout star

BY: Pamella Bailey

Canadian actress Jajube Mandiela jokes that she�s been attending rehearsals since she was three. That her mother is director and playwright ahdri zhina mandiela may have something to do with it. Now 21, Jajube plays gossipy cheerleader Chantay Black on the hit Canadian teen series Degrassi High: The Next Generation. When not onscreen, she�s performing onstage to great reviews in shows like Theatre Direct Canada�s Binti�s Journey, and The Canadian Stage Company�s A Midsummer Night�s Dream, all while pursuing film studies at the University of Toronto. Sway caught up with the talented performer while on a rehearsal break.

SWAY: When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
JAJUBE MANDIELA: I�ve been around the arts community most of my life. My mother put me into acting classes at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre when I was nine. At the time I was really into gymnastics, but I went along with it. Then I started doing on-camera classes and really enjoyed it. I guess I fell into it in a gradual way.

Tell me more about Chantay Black.
She started off as a somewhat mean cheerleader, then progressed into becoming a gossip blogger with a blog called The Anti-Grapevine. She always seems to be in the know. She�s very fun to play, but it�s also ironic because on the set I�m always the last to know what�s going on � whether it�s something with the cast members or changes to the script. I�m just the last to know!

How did you feel when Chantay became a regular?
I did a few episodes in season four. Afterwards, they kept bringing me back for a few lines here and there. Then, in season eight, my agent told me they wanted to use me more, but I didn�t believe him. It�s been fun and the cast is great. It�s a whole new beginning.

Why do you think the show is so popular with teens?
I watched the original shows on Showcase and loved how real it was. They looked like normal kids; they were multicultural and they were relatable. Their problems, especially, were controversial, but real. Kids get pregnant, they get abortions and they get into drugs. Most shows wouldn�t show that. It�s also empowering because we can see kids figuring out their problems on their own instead of always going to adults.

Your mother is quite an accomplished stage director and performer. You also perform onstage quite a bit. Did you feel that you had to follow in her footsteps or did you have room to do things differently? I have already carried on her legacy by pursuing the art that speaks to me passionately. I also feel that since I�m not a director first, I�ve already done it differently by doing television, for instance, but also kept in line with what she�s given me.

What other projects are you working on?
I�m actually working as an assistant director on my mother�s play, who knew grannie: a dub aria. It�s my first time. I started dabbling in it last year through the rAiz�n ensemble that I am a part of through (not-for-profit arts company) b current. We did a directing workshop. I liked it and wanted to continue.

What advice do you have for young would-be actors?
Don�t give up. Perseverance is a big part of success. Be determined, no matter how many times you hear �no,� which you�ll hear a lot. If you find that you love it, keep doing it.