From beauty queen to villain: Zozibini Tunzi's bold move in 'Bad Influencer'

Former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi takes her first major step into acting with the new local series "Bad Influencer", currently streaming on Netflix.

Known for her impactful presence on stage and in the world of pageantry, Tunzi's transition to acting is both exciting and inspiring for many young artists.

Set in Johannesburg, "Bad Influencer" is a seven-part series that dives deep into the glitzy world of online fame while showcasing the stark realities of life.

At the heart of this gripping story are two women, BK and Pinky.

BK, played by Jo-Anne Reyneke, is a street-smart single mother and Pinky, portrayed by Cindy Mahlangu, is a rising social media influencer. Tunzi joins the cast as Naomi.

BK and Pinky descend into Jo’burg’s counterfeit economy, selling fake luxury handbags. Their scheme draws the attention of Bra Alex (Vincent Mahlape) and Jobs 'Flames' Jiyane (Hamilton Dlamini), notorious criminals in a counterfeiting syndicate, as well as law enforcement.

Caught between criminals and cops, the unlikely duo must outfox both to stay out of jail, survive, and thrive.

Tunzi shares her enthusiasm about stepping into the role of Naomi, saying: "I've always been a creative, artistic person who enjoyed performance at school ... I've always loved putting on some kind of performance ...

"With acting, it's not something I've done growing up, but it's something I became interested in as soon as I found myself in the entertainment space. It's become a newfound passion, more especially when I did 'The Woman King'.

"It was a very small role, but it is one of the places that truly ignited my passion. I knew that I had to be back in this space again, so when this opportunity came by, I could not have been happier," said Tunzi.

She described Naomi as the villain of the show - mean, cold, yet fabulously charismatic.

"I know that there will be people that would love to hate her, some people might love her because people love a good villain. She is just mean and cold, but also fabulous and charismatic, and I came to respect her as a character so much.

"I definitely wouldn't like her as a real-life person, but as I came to play her, I had to understand and respect her and have some kind of love for her in order to step into her shoes and be her. I think she is definitely going to be a talked-about character in the show, and I can't wait for people to see her." 

Despite her successful background in beauty pageants, Tunzi said the audition was "nerve-racking".

"It was very daunting, very tough, because it is a new space for me. As much as I have stood on big stages, there's just something about walking into an audition room and acting that is so nerve-racking, especially for someone who hasn't done a lot of that, but I was just able to watch people, real-life personalities, who, I feel, embody some kind of Naomi energy.

"And I emulated that. Having an acting coach was something that I appreciated a lot. It helped me through this process so much."

About the script, Tunzi said: "The script was a very good one. Kudi Maradzika wrote it so beautifully, Joanne (Reyneke) says, 'The words came out to life and they jumped out of the script' and I truly share that sentiment because they were so well-written that you could literally envision the show.

"The other thing about it that grabbed me was my character in particular because she is so different from who I am as a person."

"Bad Influencer" unfolds in a world where social media glamour meets the harsh truths of survival. Tunzi notes that the story connects with many South Africans, highlighting relatable themes: "The most beautiful thing about this story is that it transcends online on social media into real life.

"I think South Africans will see themselves in each of the characters because it is a story about their real-life struggles and trying to make it every day in life.

"About a mother who would do anything to take care of her child, or about an influencer who is trying to get out of her situation by being an influencer. She is caught in this world where she wants to start making money for herself instead of depending on others' ways, so she goes into this life.

"I think a lot of people will resonate with this character in that we are all everyday people trying to make it. So, more than social media, it has a lot of realness and heart to it. It's definitely not to offend, though."

With a talented cast that included Emmanuel Castis, Nat Ramabulana, Julia Anastasopoulos, Kamohelo Pule, Aubrey Poo, Modise Motaung, Brendon Daniels, Thapelo Mokoena and Lerato Nxumalo, Zikhona Sodlaka, Masasa Mbangeni and cameo appearances from popular influencers like Mihlali Ndamase, "Bad Influencer" promises to take viewers on a thrilling ride. 

Working with these Mzansi A-list actors, Tunzi said, "It was incredible. We had the most amazing cast. They were all so generous and kind at all times with their time and advice. We had absolutely no divas on set, nobody we were afraid to approach or be around.

"Everybody was just so welcoming and in between takes, if I was feeling nervous about something or needed help, my go-to person was Jo-Anne."

"One of my favourite things she said to me, when I was nervous, was: 'Do a lot, don't do a little'. Sometimes when you do a little, you go home and you feel like you should have done more. She said 'Go balls to the walls, do a lot, do too much, and if it is too much, the director will tell you'."

Tunzi also expressed pride in the evolution of local productions, sharing, "I am so proud to see how far we have come with local productions.

"So many people outside of South Africa are consuming our content. Our show will be out in over 190 countries, so already we have this reach of people who can come in and consume our content.

"I'm so proud of where we are, creatively, our production value and of our actors as well, who have been doing an incredible job carrying South African stories. There is something special about South African stories that you can't find anywhere else, and I am happy that we are able to have this platform to share our stories and send them out to the world.

"Most of the time we have people telling our stories on our behalf in their voices, so to have the opportunity to rewrite that is incredible."

Watch the trailer below.