Sky is not the limit for Zimbudzi
RISING multi-talented teen commercial model, poet and actor Eugene Zimbudzi believes the sky is not the limit in his endeavour to take his arts career to greater heights. Zimbudzi, a commercial model at Edgars, TV Sales and Mega Plastics, landed his first acting role as Tapiwa in the groundbreaking and awardwinning romance movie, Cook Off, that started showing on America’s streaming site Netflix on June 1. NewsDay (ND) Life &Style reporter Winstone Antonio caught up with the teen sensation (EZ) who opened up on his career and related issues. Below are excerpts from the interview.
ND: Who is Eugene Zimbudzi?
EZ: Eugene Zimbudzi is a 14-year-old teen who is now an international actor after featuring on a Netflix movie called
Cook Off. He is also a voice -over artist, commercial model and a poet.
ND: How best can you describe yourself in three words?
EZ: Gifted, multi-talented and a go-getter
ND: You are a commercial model. How did you discover your passion for modelling?
EZ: I was born in a family that supports modelling and my mother (Mercy “Catwalk” Mushaninga) has produced the best models in the modelling industry, so I grew up with the passion of being a model and after doing a few auditions I managed to get the top position of being a commercial model at Edgars and other top brands.
ND: How long have you been into modelling?
EZ: I have done eight years now in the modelling industry. ND: Off the ramp, what inspired you to audition for Cook Off?
EZ: I have always wanted to see myself on TV, when I came across the call for the auditions on social media, Facebook, I said I would like to try since I had a passion for acting. This is how I ended up being part of the Cook Off cast.
ND: How was your first day at the auditions?
EZ: Wow! I surprised everyone, including Tomas (Brickhill) who was doing the casting, he gave me a script, and read it three times then I was ready for my role as Tapiwa. Everyone was surprised that I had a sharp mind to remember what was in the script. I used my poetry skills to remember words and used my acting skills to play the role of Tapiwa.
ND: Apart from modelling, have you always wanted to be an actor?
EZ: Oh, yes! It was my dream, now I am watching my
self on the big screen.
ND: Who are your influences?
EZ: Well Tomas, Joe and my mother; to them nothing is impossible and they never give up on their dreams.
ND: Which famous actor do you admire most?
EZ: Locally, Tongayi Chirisa and internationally, Will Smith. ND: What’s next after Cook Off?
EZ: Education is always important in my life since acting requires intelligence. Reading the script is not easy, I realised when I started my role with
Cook Off. Reading the script and mastering it required a sharp mind. I hope there will be Cook Off part 2 so that I can upgrade my acting skills and gear myself for Hollywood. I have started learning French and Germany languages and as well as Sign language and some karate skills.
ND: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
EZ: I see myself at a university and as well signed with world studios like Netflix, Universal studio and others.
ND: What are your hobbies outside modelling and acting?
EZ: I love cooking and soccer.
ND: What is your favourite food and music?
EZ: Ribs, macaroni, eggs and chips. I love rap music. (Drake).