A rising icon on the American scene, Nzinga Imani embodies a multifaceted generation that celebrates inclusion, creativity, and self-confidence. As the acclaimed Angela in BET+’s hit series “Sistas” and “Zatima,” as well as a singer, entrepreneur, and model, she navigates the worlds of film, fashion, and business while leaving her own unique mark. On the occasion of the release of “Friend Zone” and the success of her boutique Nimani, she opens up to us about her creative world and her secrets.
Nzinga, I’m delighted to have this conversation with you! Your career is often described as that of a “Renaissance woman,” with so many talents and roles to your name. But is there a side of your creativity or personality that the public doesn’t know yet, something you secretly wish you could reveal? Is there another Nzinga we haven’t met?
Absolutely! There are so many layers to me that live a little more quietly, away from the spotlight. I have a deep well of passions and creative talents that are more personal than public. I paint, I dance, I sew, I write, I design, and I have a special gift for connecting and educating children, which has always felt instinctive and grounding for me. The list truly feels endless. What many people don’t realize is how much of what they do see is supported by additional work happening behind the scenes. Before stepping into acting full-time, I had a successful career as a makeup artist, and to this day, I still often do my own makeup on projects I’m involved in. I also tend to have a strong hand in wardrobe whenever possible, because storytelling doesn’t stop at the script; it lives in the details. I’ve produced, creative directed, and worn many hats along the way, often out of necessity but always out of curiosity. I’m very open to trying new things, and that openness has been incredibly lucrative not just financially, but creatively. It’s allowed me to keep discovering new passions and, honestly, new versions of myself. I think there are still plenty more waiting to be revealed.
Let’s talk about one of your latest projects, since you’re starring in “Friend Zone” directed by Courtney Arlett. In “Friend Zone,” everything changes after an unexpected night. In your own life, have you ever experienced, or at least dreamed of experiencing, a moment when surprise or chance turned everything upside down? Or are you the type of person who instinctively resists the unexpected?
I definitely welcome the unexpected. Life has shown me that some of its most meaningful moments arrive without warning and often when you’re not looking for them at all. While I’ve never personally experienced a platonic relationship that suddenly turned romantic the way it does in Friend Zone, I have experienced love finding me in the most unlikely way. I met my boyfriend on the other side of the world, in Bali, while on a work trip. I wasn’t searching for love, and I certainly wasn’t expecting it. What still amazes me is that we lived just twenty minutes apart back in the States yet it took traveling across the globe for our paths to finally cross. That experience really cemented something for me: some things simply can’t be planned or forced. When it happens, it just happens. And more often than not, those unexpected turns are the very moments that end up changing everything for the better.
When you accept a new role, do you have a secret ritual, habit, or method to really “step into” your characters? I mean, you haven’t necessarily lived the same experiences as your roles, which is understandable.
I wouldn’t call it a ritual but I am intentional in my process. I read the script as many times as I can, each time looking for clues into their backstory. I focus not just on what the character does, but who they are, where they came from. I pay close attention to how they see themselves and how others in the story perceive them. From there, I begin to build a backstory, even if it never appears on screen. Expanding their inner world helps me understand their motivations, their why. Once I have that, everything else starts to fall into place. It informs my perspective, my emotional responses, and how I react to the other characters in each moment. Even when I haven’t lived the same experiences as the role, this approach allows me to step into their truth with honesty and empathy, which is always my goal as an actor.
On set, there must be some emotions that are easier to share than others. Have you ever filmed with an actor who is completely your type, and found that shooting flirty scenes wasn’t awkward at all, in fact, maybe you even enjoyed it?
I don’t really have a specific “type,” and I also don’t tend to view my castmates through that lens. At the end of the day, this is our job, and I approach it with that level of focus and respect. That said, chemistry can definitely feel easier with some actors than others but it has far less to do with attraction and much more to do with comfort and trust. When you feel safe with the person you’re working opposite, those flirty, intimate, or vulnerable moments don’t feel awkward. They feel honest. Trust allows you to be fully present, to listen, and to respond authentically in the scene. When that foundation is there, the connection reads naturally on screen and that’s what truly makes the moment work.
And in real life, are you more of the shy type, or are you the one who boldly makes the first move without any fear?
A little of both! I’m confident and intentional, so I’ll absolutely let it be known if I’m interested but I do believe in allowing a man to make the first move. I have a strong personality, and I need a partner who’s assertive, takes initiative, and knows how to lead with confidence. I’m not shy about who I am and what I want, but I also don’t believe in chasing. ABSOLUTELY NOT!
What do you think of people who claim that male-female friendship doesn’t exist? Do you believe it’s truly possible to be best friends with a guy?
I absolutely believe in platonic relationships. I have several male friendships that are incredibly special to me, in part because they offer perspectives I genuinely value. They’ll tell me when I’m tripping, help me see things more clearly, and give insight into the male point of view in a way that feels honest and safe. That balance is essential. I also strongly encourage my partner to maintain friendships with women. I appreciate a man who can be genuinely close to women without hidden agendas or ulterior motives. To me, that’s a sign that he truly sees women as equals, not as sexual objects. And let’s be real, sometimes you need another woman to be the one who tells him when he’s tripping too. That kind of honesty is healthy for everyone.
If you could give one piece of advice to Queenie, or to any woman who hesitates to follow her heart for fear of ruining a friendship, what would it honestly be?
Don’t let fear keep you from true happiness. We only get one life, and it’s far too short to live in hesitation or “what ifs.” If your heart is pulling you in a direction, it’s worth listening to. Some friendships will evolve, some will change, and some may even fall away but clarity is always better than regret. Grab life with both hands, be honest about what you want, and trust that whatever is meant for you will meet you on the other side of courage.
Of course, many people know you as Angela in “Sistas” and “Zatima,” two flagship BET+ series. What are the biggest differences between Queenie and Angela?
In many ways, they present similarly on the surface, but at their core, Queenie and Angela are very different. Angela carries far more insecurities and fears when it comes to true love, which often drives her choices and hesitation. She’s also deeply invested in the love lives of her friends (sometimes more than her own) whereas Queenie is much more focused on her own drama and emotional journey. Queenie knows what she wants, even if she’s afraid to fully act on it. That said, they do share some similarities. Both women have plenty of romantic options, and both allow fear to delay what feels inevitable. That tension between desire and hesitation is something that makes each of them relatable in very human ways.
Switching gears, you’re also a figurehead for inclusive fashion and body positivity. You’ve collaborated with major brands and designed successful collections. Today, many brands use models of all backgrounds in ads and on runways, but inclusivity is more than that. In your opinion, where does the conversation around inclusivity stand now? Is it truly recognized, or is there still more work to do?
It’s interesting, because it often feels like we take three steps forward and then four steps back. There has been progress, but it’s frequently followed by pullbacks, campaigns get quieter, budgets get smaller, and representation becomes conditional again. Inclusivity can’t be a trend or a buzzword; it has to be a standard. True inclusion means consistency, not just visibility when it’s convenient or profitable. And it goes far beyond who’s placed in front of the camera; it’s about who’s making decisions behind the scenes, whose voices are being heard, and whose bodies are considered “marketable” year-round. We also need far more media representation that reflects what people actually look like in real life. When the average person can see themselves fully and authentically represented, that’s when inclusivity stops being performative and starts being real. There’s progress, yes but there’s still a lot of work to be done.
You recently launched Nimani, your boutique dedicated to plus-size silhouettes. There are already quite a few plus-size brands on the market, so why did you create Nimani, and what makes it unique?
The truth is, there still aren’t nearly enough. When you consider that the average person in America wears a size 14, it’s astounding how small the plus-size fashion market actually is by comparison. Access is still incredibly limited. I created Nimani because I saw a gap that wasn’t being filled. Young, confident women deserve bold, form-fitting, fun, and sexy options! Clothes that celebrate their bodies rather than try to hide them. Too often, plus-size fashion leans overly safe or matronly, as if style and sensuality have an expiration date. Nimani was born from the belief that we shouldn’t have to dress like grandmothers to be considered “appropriate.” We deserve fashion that feels current, expressive, and empowering pieces that let you show up exactly as you are, without apology.
Thank you, Nzinga, for this open-hearted conversation. Through your words, you share a vision that inspires far beyond the spotlight.
Thank you so much. It’s truly been an honor to share with you, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to reflect, connect, and be part of such a thoughtful conversation.
Demona Lauren
