Former Big Brother Titans housemate, Juicy Jay on life after reality TV, wellness and self-care

From the rugby field to reality television and now into global brand partnerships and podcasting, Siyamthanda “Juicy Jay” Jwacu has evolved in full view of the public. First introduced to audiences on Big Brother Titans, he quickly became known not just for his charisma, but for his optimism, vulnerability and unmistakable presence

Since leaving the show, Juicy Jay has stepped into new arenas — travelling internationally, collaborating with major brands and launching meaningful conversations through his podcast BeyondTheGame. At the heart of it all is a philosophy grounded in growth, discipline and self-belief. Here, he reflects on his journey, masculinity, mental wellness and what it truly means to show up for yourself.

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GLAMOUR SA: Take us back to the beginning. Who is Juicy Jay?

Juicy Jay: My name is Siyamthanda Jwacu, publicly known as Juicy Jay. The name actually comes from my rugby days. Some of my teammates used to tease me, saying I looked like I was on steroids — which in athletic slang is called “juice.” That’s where it started.

But beyond the physical joke, what makes me “Juicy” is my positive attitude toward life. My friends eventually stopped calling me Siya because it’s such a common name in the Eastern Cape. They started calling me “Jay,” short for Jwacu — even though some struggled to pronounce it. In 2021, before the Varsity Cup Rugby Tournament, I wrote “Juice Jay” on my kit. During one of the games, the commentator actually used it on air. When I later joined Big Brother Titans, the name amplified — and it stuck.

GLAMOUR How has life changed since the show?

Juicy Jay: Life after the show has been both challenging and beautiful. I’ve found myself in spaces of growth I never imagined, especially in the sporting world. My social media presence grew, which opened doors to working with major brands and travelling internationally.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris was my first big international brand trip. After that came the Hong Kong Sevens and the NBA pre-season games in Abu Dhabi. Those opportunities were huge moments for me.

What surprised me most, though, was learning how my time on the show impacted people. A woman once approached me at King Shaka International Airport with tears in her eyes. She told me watching me — especially when I sang igwijo in the house — was therapeutic for her during a very stressful and depressive period in her life. She said my eviction made her cry even more. That moment reminded me that my life adds value to someone out there.

GLAMOUR: There were assumptions about your background after the show. How did you navigate that?

Juicy Jay: It was funny, some supporters assumed I came from a poor family or that I was broke. That surprised me. While I don’t come from a wealthy background, I’m fortunate that my parents worked extremely hard to give my siblings and me a healthy upbringing. Before the show, I was a semi-professional rugby player and a graduate from Nelson Mandela University. Rugby carried me through varsity on a sports bursary; accommodation, transport and even a monthly allowance from ages 19 to 24. So sport really shaped my discipline and independence.

GLAMOUR: Your collaboration with Dove Men+Care has been a defining partnership. What has that meant to you?

Juicy Jay: Honestly, it was a big surprise. I didn’t expect to work with such a respected global brand so soon after the show. For me, being a man means taking care of yourself wholeheartedly; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Dove Men+Care has grown into family over the years. They’ve helped me understand that self-care as a man isn’t something to hide or feel ashamed of. It’s something to embrace daily. What started as work has become brotherhood.
The bond within the Dove Men+Care family goes far beyond colleagues, it’s genuine support.

Juicy Jay on life after Big Brother Titans, wellness and self-care

GLAMOUR: What does your daily self-care ritual look like?

Juicy Jay: It starts with showing up for myself the moment I wake up. I pray. I speak positive affirmations. I put good energy into the world. Then it’s about discipline; gym, eating well, drinking at least two litres of water daily, and maintaining both a morning and night routine. I can’t stress enough how important good sleep is, for your skin and your overall health system. What you put in is what you get out.

GLAMOUR: What energy are you carrying into 2026?

Juicy Jay: My 2026 energy is simple: show up for myself more. What’s not for me, I let go. Love who loves me. And remember, where focus goes, energy flows.I gravitate toward conversations of growth and substance. Not necessarily what I want to hear, but what I need to hear. Conversations that uplift, build and expand perspective. Nothing grows in negativity.

GLAMOUR: What’s next for you?

Juicy Jay: I’m currently working on Season 2 of my podcast, BeyondTheGame, launching on March 10. On the show, I sit down with sports legends, current athletes, coaches and influential figures in the sporting world who have powerful stories. My goal is simple — to get their stories out there so they can inspire others to grow beyond their circumstances. Because life is always bigger than the game.