At 22, Chuckie Rymes is living her dream 

CHUCKIE RYMES, 22, is a TikToker, award-winning content creator and influencer, who does content for different brands. Quick Talk caught up with her recently.

Hi, Chuckie Rymes! Interesting name…is it your real name?

[My real name] is Rashidah Mariam. I am 22 years old and a happy, ambitious, content creator, big dreamer, and a go-getter.

I hear you, girl! What schools did you attend?

I went to Nakasero primary school, and then joined Buddo Secondary School for my O-level. For A-level, I went to St Lawrence (Creamland campus) and later Makerere University.

What was life, like growing up?

I grew up with a single mother who worked so hard to always make her three baby girls smile. My life may not have been filled with luxury, but it was full of love and peace.

How did you start tiktoking?

I am a phone person, for starters, [which 22-year-old isn’t!] and very adventurous too. So, I saw a few people doing tiktok and it seemed to be a fun app but at the same time I felt like it would be an addition on my Instagram energy; so, I said why not? [Laughs].

Tell Quick Talk about that video that was your big breakthrough.

Unlike other people, I don’t quite think I had a single breakthrough video, although I could say my breakthrough content was “Celebrity facts by Chuckie” and now the content currently putting me out there is ‘Pose for you’ and with over four videos having a million views and the highest having three million views.

Have you ever been an influencer to any brand?

Oh yes, I have even won Ghanaian social media awards called the Iconic social media awards for best brand influencer of the year 2021. I have worked with quite a number of big brands in Uganda so far. Hotels, betting brands, dog brands [we have those??], sanitary pad brands and others.

When you are working as an influencer, how much do you get?

Payment as an influencer is based on what you do or bring to the table. I personally charge according to the period of collaboration with the named brand.

Where do you see Rymes in the near future?

Hahaha, tricky question; anyway, God willing, I see Chuckie winning more awards, and becoming that successful international influencer, because my goal is not focused on only Uganda.

Who inspired you and kept you moving?

Ooh, I thank God for a very supportive family; my mum, my sisters, friends and of course those fans that keep sending love. This thing has really kept me pushing harder.

What is your weakness?

Lack of knowledge of particular software, and shyness.

What are your hobbies?

Talking. I can spend the whole week talking and don’t get tired [when a talker knows they talk too much, then yep, they can talk!] Then, my phone and music.

Do you have a favourite dish?

Sticky honey chicken.

Yes ma’am! And who is your favourite artiste?

I love almost all artistes, because I am a music lover, but lately Lydia Jazmine, Sheebah, Azawi, Apass, B2C, Spice Diana , Quex and Vyroota. [At the risk of embarrassment by asking who the hell Quex and Vyroota are, Quick Talk ends the interview.]