SHAKIRA JA’NAI PAYE

Q&A

GN: What inspired you to pursue a career in acting, and how did training at The American Musical Dramatic Academy College and Conservatory shape your approach to performing?  

SJP: I’ve always been a theatre kid. I began performing at Arena Players, the oldest continuously operating black community theater in the U.S. in Baltimore when I was about 10 years old. From the very beginning, acting felt aligned with my life’s purpose, and I’m grateful that I fell in love with it early and stayed committed to the craft.

Training at AMDA was a transformative experience. The program was rigorous full days of performance classes from 9 to 5, followed by rehearsals in the evenings. That structure gave me a strong foundation for working in the professional world, while also providing a safe space to take risks, make bold choices, and grow without fear of failure.

GN: In Demascus, you  play Naomi, an alluring performer. How did you prepare for this role, and what challenges did you face portraying a character in a sci-fi comedy series?

SJP: I drew from a mix of training and lived experience to prepare for Naomi. Dance classes, character breakdowns, and studying some of the greats were all part of my process. But honestly, it was also about trusting the years of classes, workshops, and on-the-ground work I’ve put in as an actor. All of that prepared me to step into a world as unique as Demascus balancing the heightened tone of sci-fi and comedy while still keeping Naomi grounded and authentic.

GN: How do you describe the unique blend of comedy and sci-fi in Demascus, and what was your experience like working with the cast and crew in Atlanta?

SJP: When people ask me about the tone of Demascus, I usually say it feels like Black Mirror meets Donald Glover’s Atlanta on FX. As an audience member, it gives you exactly what you want you're captivated and provoked, fully engaged in the story, and constantly surprised by the choices it makes.

Filming in Atlanta was such a joy. I love the creative energy there, and the crews are always incredibly skilled, professional, and a pleasure to work with. It really created the perfect environment to bring this world to life.

GN: You have been part of diverse projects, from House Party to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. How has your role in Demascus contributed to your growth as a multi-hyphenate actress, writer, and producer?

SJP: Working on Demascus has been transformative. It’s reshaped me as a person, which naturally deepens my perspective as an artist. The experience has also challenged me to take bolder risks in both my writing and acting, pushing me to expand beyond my comfort zone.

GN: What was the significance of Demascus being picked up by Tubi after its cancellation by AMC Networks, and how did you react to this opportunity for the series to reach a wider audience?

SJP: I’m deeply grateful. After three years, the fact that Demascus is finally reaching audiences feels like such a gift. Tubi’s platform gives the series a wider reach, and I’m just thankful the world now gets to experience the story we created. And looking forward to hopefully getting a season 2 where I get to explore the world more. 

GN: As a series regular in Demascus, how did you approach exploring the alternate timelines of your character Naomi, and what unique aspects of the role excited you?

SJP: The script and the world really guided a lot of my choices. I always started by asking: What story are the writers trying to tell, and how can I help move it forward? Also, I’m an astrology girlie, so I layered each version of Naomi with a different sun sign, it helped me differentiate their personalities in a fun, intuitive way.

GN: You’ve worked across platforms like Netflix, ABC, NBC, and FOX. How does your role in Demascus on Tubi compare in terms of creative freedom and storytelling?

SJP: Demascus felt much more playful and freeing. I even got to improvise in a few scenes, which was such a blast. My character was central to the story, which was refreshing — with guest star roles, you're often there to teach the lead characters something and then exit. Those roles are fun too, but they’re rarely about the supporting cast. In Demascus, I got to bring more of myself to the character and the story.

GN: How has your involvement with the comedy troupe Obama’s Other Daughters influenced your performance as Naomi in Demascus?

SJP: What I’ve loved about both Obama’s Other Daughters and Demascus is that they showcase how Black women aren’t a monolith. Every female character in Demascus felt layered and fully human. In a lot of male-led shows, the women can feel hollow or underdeveloped, but Terrance did such a great job of making sure we were fully fleshed out.

GN: You’re also a writer, having sold your feature film script Regina Wants Her Eggs Back to FOX. How does your writing background inform your acting, especially in a complex series like Demascus?

SJP: As a writer, I approach scripts with an eye for detail. I pay close attention to punctuation, rhythm, and subtext. When I’m breaking down sides for auditions, I always ask: What is the character saying? And what are they really saying?

GN: Who are some actors and directors you aspire to work with in the future?

SJP: There are so many people but top of mind, Darren Aronofsky, Regina King, Regina Hall, and Ryan Coogler.

GN: What does “goodnight” mean to you?

SJP: “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.” A little reminder to rest easy and protect your peace.