Beautiful, boisterous, and brilliant. Fun, free-spirited, and feminine. We could think of many words to describe this class act. Actress/model Nzinga Imani is a bonafide triple threat all across the board. From captivating the camera to putting on for the pretty-and-plus, the Atlanta-raised heroine is (undeniably) a Jane of all trades.
You may have gotten familiar with this dynamic diva through her mainstream milestone as Dawn in the BET+ phenomenon All the Queen’s Men, a hit series based on actor Christian Keyes’ 2015 novel “Ladies Night.” Maybe it was even as Kansas in the talked-about, scripted web production Pretty for a Big Gurl by director Courtney Arlett. However, these days, she’s Angela, a fan favorite in Tyler Perry’s uber-successful Sistas spin-off, Zatima.
Contrary to popular belief, though, Imani’s (seemingly) effortless strut to stardom began long before the chaotic cut-tos and red carpet rollouts, and it was far from the glamorous stride we see on the runway of her flourishing career today. In her youth, the Queens-bred entertainer found a home at the heart of the stage. Be it in front of the church crowd or at the core of the casting crew for her high school’s theater circuit, Imani fell in love with showcasing her unique talent through performance.
A big voice to match her big light, it wasn’t long before most realized the then-teenager was a natural-born star, skilled in many ways that transcended the sanctuary’s chancel or hallways of a local auditorium. Gorgeous and gifted, Imani belonged where dreams are made of: Hollywood. What she didn’t know was that an unplanned pitstop in plus-size modeling would (ultimately) lay the foundation for her to become the trendsetter she is on the body-positivity front today.
Recognized for her goddess-like appearance, the content queen branded herself as a force in fashion for the full-figured in no time, cultivating her own wave of advocacy for those on the larger end of the scale. Due to Imani’s forwardness in driving visibility and breaking societal norms, she garnered a massive influence on and offline–whether on the latest cover story, as the face of a company campaign, or in front of the lens.
With philanthropy work like serving as an ambassador of The Plus Strut™ (the first-ever 5K run/walk event exclusively for plus-size women in North America) and launching her own clothing line NiMANi, Imani has ensured that size inclusivity is at the forefront of her mission in every room.
We had the chance to catch up with her to talk about her role in Zatima, navigating fatphobia, and what’s next. Check out our Nzinga Imani interview below!
Actress & Model Nzinga Imani Talks Becoming ‘Angela’ from Tyler Perry’s ‘Zatima’ Series, Plus-Size Representation in Hollywood, & Owning Her Power – Our Nzinga Imani Interview
Parlé Mag: So, season three of Tyler Perry’s Zatima series recently just concluded. You portray the character Angela [in the show]. Love her!
Nzinga Imani: Thank you!
Parlé Mag: Thinking back to when you first graced the set up until now, how do you feel you’ve grown as an actress?
Nzinga Imani: Ooooo! I mean, in so many ways. I can honestly say, from the first season… I didn’t quite know what Tyler expected of us. It was the first time I really got quality time being directed by Tyler Perry. So, I read the script and I had one vision of what Angela was and how she [was presented]. But while we were filming that first season, he would see me when we weren’t filming and the way that I acted. You know… certain personality traits and my “Okurrr!” [laughs], and all that energy!
Parlé Mag: [laughs] Right.
Nzinga Imani: He’d be like, “Do that!” And in my mind, I was like, “That’s so different from how I read Angela to be!” But then I had to realize that he chose us for that reason. He wanted us to bring our own personality, our own spin, and really give the character this life. So, once I realized that which you see more of in season two, the world opened up [for me]. I get to play a lot more. I get to be myself within Angela a lot more. And I think that made me more comfortable, made everything feel more natural, and I love it!
Parlé Mag: Okay! So, listen, Angela has had quite the season.
Nzinga Imani: Yes!
Parlé Mag: Exposals, sugar daddies, Bryce shenanigans! [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: [laughs]
Parlé Mag: Why do you think stories like Angela’s dating life [are] so important for the female dating pool now? Like… what do you think they could learn from it?
Nzinga Imani: Whew! I mean, even more so than learning from it, I think just being able to see yourself in your own situations on-screen, it’s very validating. You know, living in Atlanta, the whole bisexuality aspect of Bryce’s character is always kind of looming in the dating pool. You don’t always know everyone’s [preferences] and things like that. So, I think putting that on-screen lets people know like, “Okay, I’m not alone!” I think that can be very comforting. I wouldn’t necessarily say that Angela’s the person who you would want to model after or you would want to necessarily learn from unless you want to learn from her mistakes, as she’s actively making them throughout the season! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: [laughs] She definitely is!
Nzinga Imani: [laughs] But I do think having that mirror up to certain situations allows people to be like, “Ohhh!” Because, you know, you can sit in something, especially if you have strong feelings for someone. You can see something and be like, “Oh, they wouldn’t do that!” or you love them so much that you could be blind to it. But then when [Angela is] over here like, “Oh, Bryce wouldn’t do that!” it’s like… “Girl! Why not?!”
Parlé Mag: [laughs] Exactly!
Nzinga Imani: Everyone else can see it but you! So, I do think that those are learning moments as well for the audience.
Parlé Mag: I agree!
Nzinga Imani: It’s like… girl, wake up! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: Stand up!
Parlé Mag: Some things you just got to let go. So, I definitely get it!
Nzinga Imani: Yes! But it’s easier said than done, especially when you’re in love.
Parlé Mag: That’s true! So, what are your hopes for Angela’s character as she develops throughout the next seasons?
Nzinga Imani: Whew! I surely hope that Angela can get past the h*e phase because I think… from the origin of her character, in season one, she’s a lover. You know? You see that even within her friendships. She always wants to be there for Fatima. “Girl, you need me to come over?” Even if Fatima says no, [Angela is] at the door because she needs her.
Parlé Mag: Every time!
Nzinga Imani: Every time! Whether y’all like it or not, I’m coming over! [laughs] But I think she’s a lover at heart, and she’s going on this whole journey because she’s emotionally trying to figure things out. And also because she feels like she got played and she’s kind of trying to stop all emotions. [She’s trying to] block out any emotions, any new love interest—anything like that. I don’t think that’s her true nature. So, I would love to see Angela get back on track. Even if it isn’t necessarily a relationship, at least, not just out here outside, outside! [laughs] I hope she gets past that.
Parlé Mag: So, do you think that’s sort of like a coping mechanism for her? Like, she’s trying to protect her heart? That seems like what it is.
Nzinga Imani: Absolutely! Absolutely. I think she was embarrassed. She was all in with Bryce. They were exchanging keys and everything, [she was] introducing him to the friends, going on double dates. So, then, to have something like that come up–for anybody who doesn’t know, he tried to kiss her best friend’s boyfriend–it was embarrassing for her more than anything else because not only did [Bryce] step out on [Angela] but [he] stepped out on [her] with the person closest [to her]. Like, they all knew about it before [her]. So, [she feels] like [she] got a dunce cap on, and [she doesn’t] want that experience again. So, to me, that’s why she still wants to get her feel because she was always a lil’ freak-a-leek!
Parlé Mag: [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: However, she doesn’t want to let them in emotionally, and that’s why you see her hopping around, bouncing around, never letting anyone get close enough anymore.
Parlé Mag: I think that’s important to see because, like you said, some things are hard to let go of. So, it’s amazing to see her navigate through that, but hopefully, she will get back on track! [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: Yeah! We’ll see! But y’all know [Tyler Perry Studios], they love to stay off track!
Parlé Mag: Curveballs!
Nzinga Imani: It always got to be some curveballs, it’s always got to be some detours! So, we’ll see what happens. [laughs]
Parlé Mag: I love how vibrant and just colorful Angela is, and her style seems kind of similar to yours. So, do you have a hand in her fashion sense on the show?
Nzinga Imani: I have a hard hand in her fashion!
Parlé Mag: Really?
Nzinga Imani: Absolutely! We have a quick turnaround when it comes to filming and things like that. So, when they find out our sizes, sometimes, it’s a few days before we’re filming. That definitely was true the first season. So, shopping for plus-size women, if you’re not in that, if you’re not used to that, it can be very difficult. There [are] not a lot of stores that you can just go run to and pick up things.
Parlé Mag: Yeah!
Nzinga Imani: So, for me—and I love our wardrobe department, no shade—I just knew that they didn’t have as many options as I have in my closet. [laughs] The day that I went into wardrobe fitting, I saw what they had for me, [and] I said, “Okay, cool! I brought a suitcase. Do you guys want to see [it]?” They were more than happy to incorporate some things from my own fashion line, some things from my own designs, as well as just clothes that I have in my closet into the show. That’s been consistent throughout. I know whenever we’re going back to film, I’m like, “Let me have some suits ready!” because I know that it might take a week for us to order it because we have to get it from somewhere else. [We] can’t walk into every store and find things in a 3X.
Parlé Mag: Right.
Nzinga Imani: So, it was definitely a strong hand. It was definitely a lot of my personal pieces, as well as designs, and all things like that. It was amazing, though, to see that on-screen as well. To be a series regular in your first project and then also be able to say you had a hand in the styling and the fashion of it, it was awesome! You know [Angela] had to be as bad as I am in real life!
Parlé Mag: Yes!
Nzinga Imani: You know what I’m saying?
Parlé Mag: I love it!
Nzinga Imani: We couldn’t half-step it. I felt like I needed to represent for us [plus-size women] because we show out!
Parlé Mag: Exactly!
Nzinga Imani: So, I didn’t want anything less to show up on-screen, especially when I’m standing next to people like Eva Marcille and Crystal Hayslett, who are in their designer couture! [laughs] Baby, we had to come correct, too!
Parlé Mag: Period!
Nzinga Imani: [laughs]
Parlé Mag: Well, you have done an amazing job. I love her fashion. Let’s switch gears. Not only are you an actress, [but] you’re also a model, entrepreneur, singer—so many things! So multi-faceted. So, how do you balance your personal and professional life in the midst of all of that?
Nzinga Imani: You know… it’s an everyday teeter-totter. I think I’m still definitely figuring that out, but I like to spend a lot of time with myself. I listen to the radio in the morning instead of TV and things like that. Just so I can be present [and] know what’s going on in the world but also have that space of mind to figure out things on my own without constant influences from other things. Other than that, I mean, it’s definitely back and forth because a lot of personal is included in my business. My boyfriend is my photographer. My sister is my assistant and helps with things like PR and things like that. So, it all kind of merges together, but having a close-knit family definitely helps. They keep me grounded; they keep me sane, and so… I love that. I think family is probably the number one thing that helps me through that.
Parlé Mag: So, sort of to piggyback off of that question, as a content creator, I’m sure it can weigh on your mental health sometimes, with having to meet certain expectations, trolls—all of that that ties into that. Since you have such a huge platform and so many eyes on you, how do you stay so grounded and true to who you are as a person?
Nzinga Imani: I mean, I don’t care what they have to say. [laughs]
Parlé Mag: [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: I think that’s the biggest thing. Like, I see it. You know, sometimes, I snap back. And more so not for my own sake because I know that there are other girls who see me and are inspired by me—whatever the case may be—who are also reading those comments and feel attacked. So, to me, it’s like… sometimes, if it’s real crazy, I’ll say my piece, and I won’t delete it because I feel like it’s important that other people acknowledge and see how disgusting people can be… truly! You know what I mean? Like, I’ll leave that there so that [my followers] can eat you up because I don’t have the time! But, in a lot of ways, I’ve never really let it affect me.
Also, I got Caribbean background. My mom was pretty hard on me, so I think having that in my ear the whole time I was growing up and learning how to get past that definitely helped when it came to anybody else and their opinion of me. It was like, “Okay, I hear you! Yeah, put it in my back pocket or throw it away.” And [you] just move on because you can’t let anybody else define who you are, what you’re doing. At the end of the day, they’re one, small, insignificant opinion compared to the millions of people [who] you could potentially impact by a simple picture, by a simple post. By simply telling your story and being authentic. So, why would I let that opinion be more important than all of these other people I can help?
Parlé Mag: Exactly.
Nzinga Imani: So, I think that’s what helps me balance those things as well.
Parlé Mag: Coming from that Caribbean background, I’m sure you got tough skin! [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: The toughest! Yes! [laughs] Because Carribean people say it how—I won’t even say like it is because that’s not really what is. It’s just, sometimes, they have very strong opinions, and they want to make sure that you know it—whether it’s helpful or not. I’ve experienced some crazy things! I mean, the first time I met my grandmother, she said, “Pretty face, spoiled by your belly!”
Parlé Mag: Oh, my goodness!
Nzinga Imani: [I said], “Well, nice to meet you, too!” So, things like that were just like [making me wonder], “What’s wrong with you?” [laughs] But, at the same time, it’s like, “Okay, I take that.” I understand that that is how some people think, and that’s unfortunate. But I’m going to continue to grow and shine and rise, and you’ll sit there and watch. Being mad. [laughs] While I rise. That’s just how it’s been. So, yeah! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: Speaking of so much attention, just to spice things up a bit—
Nzinga Imani: Ooooo!
Parlé Mag: I have to ask, what has been the craziest DM you’ve ever received on social media?
Nzinga Imani: Whew!
Parlé Mag: If you can think of one! [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: I wish that I could say I have one logged, but like… I forget them as much as they come in. There [are] messages every day from people. Whether it’s hate mail [or], strangely, the other kind of love mail. But I don’t click on it. You could pretty much learn from the first few words what it’s going to be, and I just kind of tune it out. So, I really can’t think of much when it comes to that. [laughs] Sorry!
Parlé Mag: Awww! [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: I wish I had something logged. I mean, I do have somebody who’s a little psycho now. They literally email me twenty times a day from different email addresses. [As] soon as I block one, they create another one, and they’re on all of the social media sites with the same kind of extremely hateful messages.
Parlé Mag: Oh, goodness!
Nzinga Imani: It’s scary on one end [because] you’re like, “What kind of psycho is this, and what are they really capable of?” But, on the other end, I feel like it’s somebody who’s miserable, just screaming into the void and who is really seeking validation and something [else]. So, that is probably the real craziest thing. Their intent and how focused they are on getting my attention is the craziest part. But I wouldn’t even repeat the things that they’ve said [because] it’s been from everything. From threats to family members to personal threats to what they would do and all types of things. So, I won’t go there, but I pray for them, and I hope they find peace and happiness or whatever because that’s an illness.
Parlé Mag: You definitely have to be a really sick person to go to those lengths.
Nzinga Imani: Yeah! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: So, that leads me to my next question. Do you have any pet peeves in terms of the responses bigger bodies garner online? On one hand, [plus-size people] get backhanded compliments from women sometimes, and on the other hand, you have the fetishism from men. So, it can be a lot! Any pet peeves [regarding that]?
Nzinga Imani: All of that is pretty gross to me! I was part of a web series called Pretty for a Big Gurl, and so many people hated that. They were like, “How could [the creators] title it that?” The reason the writer, Courtney Arlett, created that name is because it’s supposed to be exactly what it is. Like, that’s what we hear, that’s what people say to us. That “oh, she’s pretty for a big girl!” She’s pretty, period. There is no “for a big girl.” She’s pretty! Why do you feel like you have to qualify it like that? I think that’s probably the one that gets to me the most because it’s like an underhanded [thing]. It’s not really a compliment at all. [laughs]
Parlé Mag: At all!
Nzinga Imani: [laughs] It loses all mention of being a compliment once you throw this qualification in where it’s like, “Oh, that’s a surprise because she’s this and she’s this, [and] that’s weird.” It’s like… no! There are a million beautiful plus-size women out here. You could just say she’s beautiful; you don’t have to say anything else.
Parlé Mag: Or, also, [another pet peeve is] when they say stuff like, “I love your confidence!” That’s kind of like… ugh! Like, why do I have to be confident to wear a dress? I’m a woman! [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: Absolutely! That hits me two different ways because, on one end, I feel like–even within the plus-size community–when they say that, they don’t necessarily mean because you’re plus-size. They may just mean the way that you carry yourself, the way you hold your head up high. But it’s like, on the other end, we do have those people who are just like, “You’re so confident to be wearing that bikini” or “You’re so confident to–whatever the case may be.” It’s just like… it’s me living my life.
Parlé Mag: Right!
Nzinga Imani: You’re confident, too, for waking up this morning and existing! Like, why is it a thing where you have to be confident just to exist in the body that you have? So, that is definitely another one. [laughs]
Parlé Mag: One of the most debatable subjects in the body positivity community is fatphobia–or, surrounding it, I should say. While plus-size representation in fashion and entertainment has come a long way, we, unfortunately, still have a long way to go. So, as an actress and model, have you ever experienced size discrimination when going for certain gigs?
Nzinga Imani: Absolutely!
Parlé Mag: Oh, wow!
Nzinga Imani: Honestly, in different ways every day of my life. Whether it is professionally or just walking down the street, or walking into a store, or walking onto an airplane where everyone’s clutching their pearls, hoping that you don’t sit next to them. It’s a constant situation. I mean, there was a time on set where they were asking the actors’ weights because we were supposed to be placed on this elevated thing. Basically, they needed to know the weight capacity, and when I told them [I was] three hundred [pounds], the person literally laughed and was like, “No, for real.” I was like, “No… for real.” And they like still kind of were confused. [For me], it was like, “What are you confused about? I told you the answer, do what you need to do, and let’s move on.” But it was like… if I wasn’t mentally in the place that I was in, that could’ve really hit me hard, and that could’ve really shaken me up before this performance that I had to then go in front of these same people who I know laughed when I told them [my weight].
So, these things happen, and it’s unfortunate. You know, being a Black woman, being a plus-size person–all of these [things]. There [are] always different factors that come in, that make you have to stand firm in who you are but also know that certain people will feel a way or feel like you are undeserving because of these things. It’s all their interpretation, and it doesn’t matter because guess what? I still did the scene, and I killed the scene. It ended up turning into so many other things and opening so many other opportunities for me. And if I had let that one person and their opinion affect me that day, who knows where I would be? You know what I mean? So, I’m just thankful that I got that tough skin, too. Shout-out to my mom! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: [laughs] Hopefully, that’s something that society can get better at. They have this thing where they feel like fat people, plus-size people, don’t have feelings, too. They feel that they can say any and everything. And it’s just like, “Okay, I’m fat, but that’s my business! I see it every day in the mirror!”
Nzinga Imani: Yeah! It’s like, it doesn’t affect you at all! So, why are you so concerned?
Parlé Mag: So, every time I see you–whether through your content or on the TV screen–it gives me this burst of girl power. Like, I’m in charge, and that’s just that!
Nzinga Imani: [laughs]
Parlé Mag: And it’s so refreshing to see! So many of us are guilty of, like we just talked about, feeling like the width of our waist defines our worth. Have you ever experienced that yourself or could you talk about your journey to self-esteem, self-love, and things of that sort?
Nzinga Imani: Fortunately, I can’t say that there was ever really a time where I felt like my worth was compromised because of that.
Parlé Mag: Okay.
Nzinga Imani: However, I was aware that other people saw it that way. Whether it be the way someone will approach me for a date versus someone else of a different size or just in so many [other] different ways where people feel like you deserve less or you should be accepting of more. And, fortunately, for me, I never had a point where I was too low to fight for myself or fend for myself. But it’s still a constant battle. It still is, every day, showing up and being stern about my rules or being stern about what I’ll be comfortable wearing somewhere or what I won’t wear. You know? [Or] how I won’t represent myself because I know I am representing people. So, for me, I can’t think of a particular time in life where I ever didn’t believe that I had the worth that I know that I have. I hope that makes sense! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: It does!
Nzinga Imani: Okay!
Parlé Mag: Just to sort of expand on what you mentioned about dating and things like that, a lot of times, as a plus-size woman, it’s hard to decipher, “Okay, who likes me?” or “Who’s interested in me because I am a woman?” versus “They just want to see how it is with a big girl!” [laughs] So, how have you navigated through just knowing who’s really just interested for you?
Nzinga Imani: Well, for one, it’s never been easy to get with me. So, I think that’s been helpful. I am a serial monogamist. I’ve never really been outside and I’m in a relationship or [if] I’m not in a relationship. But I get swooped up pretty quick. [laughs] And I stay in long-term relationships. So, it’s like, if you’re just here for a ride, you’re going to miss it because you’re not going to get it. You’re going to have to put in some serious time, energy, and effort. If you’re committed to that, I mean, h*ll, even if you thought you were coming for a ride, by the end of it, you done fallen in love! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: [laughs] Mhm-hmm!
Nzinga Imani: So, I think that’s been the way that I’ve avoided that, for the most part. There have been disappointments. There have been times where I’ll feel connected with someone, and I know that they like me back, but the way that they feel like other people would interpret their relationship with a plus-size person stops them from wanting to pursue further. That’s a real thing.
Parlé Mag: It is!
Nzinga Imani: And that can be heartbreaking, but I feel like the best way to protect myself has always been protecting myself and making sure that I’m not out here too easy or just giving up all my time and energy just to somebody who hasn’t put that energy back into me.
Parlé Mag: What do you think is the biggest misconception about full-figured women? And what do you hope your artistry will contribute to breaking those barriers?
Nzinga Imani: Mhmmm! Well, I think the biggest misconception is that they always have to be the sidekick, that they’re always the lead’s best friend. I think we all know from the shows that we’ve seen, where the plus-size girls are the best friend of the lead, that those characters are typically more interesting. And you typically want to know more about them and it’s like why not make that character a lead? You know? What’s stopping [them]? [Is] it because they feel like the masses won’t connect or the masses won’t back behind a plus-size lead? I want to challenge that. So, I think that’s, moving forward, something that I hope to do. It’s like, no, I can be the leading lady; I can be the romantic lead; I can be the Aunjanue [Ellis]. I don’t always have to be the funny best friend. We’ve seen that for too many years, of that same thing.
Parlé Mag: Yes!
Nzinga Imani: So, moving forward, that’s what I hope to do. To break barriers and let people know, like, “No. We’re here, we’re staying, and we’re not sidekicks! We’re the main character.”
Parlé Mag: Well, you’ve definitely shown that with your character, Angela!
Nzinga Imani: Thank you, thank you!
Parlé Mag: So, let’s talk about your boutique, NiMANi. Am I saying that correctly?
Nzinga Imani: Yes, yes!
Parlé Mag: What has been your greatest lesson, so far, when it comes to running your boutique and learning about entrepreneurship? Because some people think it’s an overnight process. So, what has been your greatest lesson?
Nzinga Imani: Greatest lesson? Whew! It’s hard out here, y’all! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: Long story short, with the way that fast fashion is taking over and everyone wants things fast and cheap, it’s very difficult. And although I know there’s a huge market for plus-size clothes, I would be remiss in not saying that competing against stores that can make a thousand pieces overnight and sell them for two dollars, it’s hard to find the community that’s still willing to pay quality for quality items or quality money for quality items. So, the biggest lesson has just been trying to navigate that. I started this brand with the intent of designing the clothes specifically how I envisioned them and things like that. But, you know, everything is a process and we grow. So, originally, I’m doing it wholesale where I’m buying things and we style it and then we resell.
I was hoping by this time–we’re about three years in–that we would’ve been able to move and upscale into the time where we’re able to design and manufacture the designs that I have in my head, but it’s coming slower than I thought just because of that competition where all the brands are selling clothes for two dollars and making it for pennies. So, knowing that it’s not going to be quick or easy but knowing your reason and your why and staying firm in that is important. So, just trying to navigate that myself, still! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: [laughs] Anything you would do differently from when you first started your business?
Nzinga Imani: I think I would’ve started with smaller collections.
Parlé Mag: Okay.
Nzinga Imani: Started with, maybe, ten items max for a drop and focusing all my energy on pushing those items and then repeating that. Instead of having a site that’s up year-long. and that has all these different choices, because for one it’s hard holding all of that inventory. You know, it’s like, as a small business, you have to have somewhere to store all these things. And then it’s me and my family running it so we’re packaging the items, we’re shooting the items–we’re [doing] all the things. Running the websites!
Parlé Mag: Wow!
Nzinga Imani: That’s how it’s got to be right now because it is in-house and because we’re still focused on growing. We haven’t hit to a place where we can start hiring a whole bunch of employees to handle these things. But doing all of that while being in shows and creating and doing [other things], it’s very daunting! [laughs]
Parlé Mag: [laughs] I can imagine!
Nzinga Imani: So, I’m not sure [what else I would do differently]. I mean, I guess that the capsule collections would be my biggest thing. Just so that I have a certain amount of things to focus on [and] put all my energy into and know, at the end of this, if we have this many pieces left or if we don’t have anything, and we’re sold out, we’ve done great. But if we have things left, [then] we can move on and figure out what to do with the next collection instead of having to run that through the whole year.
Parlé Mag: What would you say to the younger Nzinga… looking back on your life?
Nzinga Imani: Girl, it’s coming. Keep doing it. You know? There have been so many times where things were so close to like, “Oh, this is my big break!” And then they get like tabled or sidelined in different ways. That can be so heartbreaking, and it almost makes you feel like this is never going to happen. But at the end of the day… the things that you don’t even know are having an impact are the things that’ll really get you in the door.
It’s not the things that you think are super important. You have to pay attention to everything you do and take everything seriously. Whether that’s an Instagram post, whether that’s an indie film with your best friends–whatever to case may be–because you don’t know who’s going to see that and how they’re going to be impacted. And then what influence they may have five years down the road, where they might not have had a job when you met them but next thing you know, they’re the assistant to somebody big at [Tyler Perry Studios]. And they can either talk you up or show your stuff to the right people where they can take you seriously.
So, I mean, I went from one scene, one episode of All the Queens Men to a series regular in Zatima.
Parlé Mag: Wow!
Nzinga Imani: That is almost unheard of! But what people don’t know is that there was like a seven-year span of where I was not able to book anything. So, keep going, keep your head up, and keep creating. Whether or not it’s on TV or just for your family at the house or for your followers online. Keep going! It’s important!
Parlé Mag: And I feel like everything happens when it’s supposed to.
Nzinga Imani: Absolutely!
Parlé Mag: Sometimes we get so caught up on, “This isn’t happening for me right now,” but then when we finally realize, it wasn’t time!
Nzinga Imani: Whew! And it always happens in the right time. If I had gotten the opportunity two years earlier, I would be in a much different place mentally [and] financially. I wasn’t mature enough even financially to really handle the blessing that came with becoming a series regular until the time that it did. So, I’m always thankful for that. There’s definitely a reason! [laughs] Your rejection is your protection.
Parlé Mag: Yes! I love that.
Nzinga Imani: So, I’m thankful for that, for sure.
Parlé Mag: So, now that we’re in 2025, I’m sure your résumé will only get even longer.
Nzinga Imani: [laughs]
Parlé Mag: Any dream acting roles you see yourself in in the future?
Nzinga Imani: Ahhh! I mean, so many! I would love to become part of the Marvel universe. Oh, my goodness! I think my biggest one, and something that I hope to achieve very soon, is doing a musical series or a musical film. Like, I have to merge my love of music with this love of acting! And also let people know that I can sing because apparently nobody knows!
Parlé Mag: Put out that album, sis! [laughs]
Nzinga Imani: [laughs] I’m telling you, this year! Something’s coming, something’s coming! But, yeah, [I would like to do a] musical series because I feel like music is just so powerful, and musicals are what made me fall in love with acting… to begin with. So, I feel like if I was able to do that–or when I’m able to do that, because I’m going to do that–it’s going to be life changing. So, I’m excited!
Parlé Mag: Well, I can’t wait for it! What’s next for you?
Nzinga Imani: Ooooo! I mean, there’s always so many things! I just finished a short film that I did with Rotimi. I’m really excited about that! That’ll be on the film festival circuit soon, and I think it’s really powerful. Yeah, [it’s] a story similar to what we’re talking about. You know, being a plus-size woman, being a Black woman, how it affects if we were to get pregnant. And we all know that the mortality rates for pregnant, Black women, it doesn’t match. It’s not adding up in comparisons. So, to bring light to that story as well, I’m really excited. And it was amazing working with Rotimi. So, just being able to take on these new projects and tell stories that are important, I think, is what I’m most excited about.
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