On Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the multi-talented Shakira Ja’nai Paye to talk about her exciting new series Damascus, now streaming on Tubi. From her early theater days to her breakout TV and film work, Shakira’s career is as versatile as her latest role—one that blends comedy, drama, and sci-fi in ways audiences rarely get to see.
From Theater Kid to TV & Film Star
Shakira’s love for performing started early, with her very first audition being for a Spic and Span commercial as a child. Her father helped launch her career, but it was Shakira’s own dedication that kept it going. “I was one of those people who was like, I’m a theater kid. And now I’m an actress adult,” she laughed.
While she’s widely recognized for her comedic work, including appearances on Black-ish, Modern Family, and Grand Crew, Shakira is no stranger to heavy drama. She delivered a memorable performance in Netflix’s All Day and a Night alongside Jeffrey Wright and Ashton Sanders.
Landing the Role of Naomi in Damascus
Damascus had a winding road to release. Originally filmed a few years ago for AMC, the series was shelved before being acquired by Tubi. Now, audiences can finally see Shakira as Naomi—a character she describes as “a walking contradiction” with “Cleopatra-esque dark feminine energy.”
She was initially considered for another role but ultimately landed Naomi after the creative team decided she was the perfect fit. “As an actor, it’s a dream to play in a genre-bending world,” she said, likening the tone to Black Mirror meets Atlanta.
Balancing Comedy, Drama, and Sci-Fi
With Damascus, Shakira had to seamlessly switch between tones from episode to episode. “Some episodes lean into comedy, others are more serious, and some really embrace the sci-fi element. I loved that,” she explained.
Preparation for the role even included dance training, as her character has a performance element in the show. She also created a detailed backstory for Naomi, adapting it for each reality her character inhabits across the series.
What Audiences Can Expect
Without giving spoilers, Shakira promises that Naomi evolves throughout the season—though not always by choice. She hopes audiences connect with the show’s deeper themes.
“I hope they’re inspired to create, to imagine beyond their current reality, and not be afraid of change or evolution. And I hope they laugh, maybe cry, and ultimately end the journey with joy.”
Looking Ahead
Shakira isn’t slowing down. She’s currently developing a feature film titled September, which she hopes to shoot in her hometown of Baltimore. She also has another comedy project in the works and continues to balance acting, writing, and producing.
Where to Watch & Follow
Damascus is now streaming on Tubi for free in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Follow Shakira Ja’nai Paye on Instagram and TikTok at @ShakiraPaye for updates on her upcoming projects.