journalist and author
Shyama was writing music reviews for the NME while still at school, cutting loose at at 16 with the ambition of being a reporter. She joined The Guardian’s Home News staff aged 23 before moving to broadcasting where she worked as a current affairs host/presenter on TV and radio.
She is the author of three novels, a history of contraception, numerous short stories and essays, and a short play. Shyama currently teaches creative writing and blogging, mentors and edits new writers, reviews theatre, is a contributor to BBC Papers, and has spent lockdown manning the local Mutual Aid phone…
As Chair of SADAA, the South Asian Diaspora Arts Archive, she has spearheaded multi-dimensional projects for the HLF and ACE. She is an active trustee on the Youth United Foundation board which funds uniformed youth groups for disadvantaged young people.