Nzinga Imani is an incredibly talented powerhouse within the entertainment industry, effortlessly balancing her roles in acting, modeling, singing, and entrepreneurship. In a recent interview with The Curvy Fashionista, Imani shared insights into her current projects, her philosophy on career diversification, and her fervent advocacy for plus size representation, especially within the plus size community.
While you may recognize her as Angela from BET+’s Zatima, Imani is on the brink of another thrilling venture.
“I start filming next week for a new project! It’s the second season, titled ‘I Got a Story to Tell.’ It reminds me of Black Mirror, but framed from the perspective of BET instead of Netflix. I’m the lead in one of the episodes, and it features a very intense storyline. I’m genuinely excited,” she shared.
This upcoming role is set to be quite challenging, requiring her to embody a character who undergoes a profound personality transformation, providing Imani with an opportunity to demonstrate her extensive emotional range as an actress. In addition to her television endeavors, Imani is also dedicated to bringing various other projects to life. Wearing her producer hat, she has executive-produced and starred in an upcoming film titled Friend Zone.
“We’re still in the process of shopping it around, but I’m optimistic that it will get picked up soon,” she revealed.
Additionally, she is embarking on a writing journey, collaborating with her younger sister to develop a project that delves into the different experiences of women in the industry – with Imani representing the plus size perspective and her sister as a standard size model. This project aims to challenge misconceptions and spotlight the unique obstacles faced by women on both ends of the size spectrum.
Through this project, Imani is reminded that, although her struggles as a plus size individual are legitimate, everyone grapples with their own insecurities.
“As a plus-sized person, I can observe what someone else is experiencing and assume that they are free from certain challenges, but on the other side of the spectrum, there are still many other issues that they must confront,” Imani explained. She emphasizes her dedication to narrating impactful stories that question existing narratives and encourage deeper reflections.
Pursuing Diverse Opportunities: A Path of Creative Exploration
Imani’s career journey has been anything but straightforward, and she wholeheartedly embraces her array of talents. She is authentically a jack of all trades: actress, singer, model, makeup artist, producer, businesswoman, and a TCF-certified style icon! When asked about her decision to pursue so many diverse paths, she shared that her creativity is her guiding force, fueled by the opportunities that present themselves.
“For instance, I’ve been a singer my entire life, which opened the door to acting, and acting eventually led me to makeup. Then, in a twist of fate, makeup helped elevate my modeling career, which in turn bolstered my acting prospects,” Imani elaborated.
This organic evolution underscores Imani’s flexibility and eagerness to harness her various talents. She perceives her diverse skills as interconnected strengths rather than separate endeavors. She encourages others to adopt a similar mindset and remain receptive to all opportunities.
“There’s never been a moment where I’ve thought, ‘I won’t do that or I won’t try this.’ It’s more about, where are you guiding me, Lord? I’m ready to follow,” she expressed.
This open-minded approach has not only broadened her horizons but also provided her with stability, enabling her to flourish in various fields when opportunities in one area may be scarce. Not only does this strategy help her maintain her well-being, but it also brings her fulfillment.
“Embrace every opportunity and don’t shy away from doing more. Especially in the artistic realm, one must possess the ability to wear multiple hats,” Imani asserted.
She acknowledges the age-old saying: “A jack of all trades is a master of none,” but counters that in the creative landscape, versatility often proves vital, particularly during the initial phases of one’s career.
“At times, you must be that one-woman team before you can afford to build a team. You need to be skilled enough to manage and piece everything together independently,” she advised.
While emphasizing the importance of staying focused on primary objectives, Imani underscores the significance of exploring other crafts, as these experiences can provide depth and insight to one’s principal endeavors.
Advocating for Natural Hair and Plus Size Representation in Media
In addition to her remarkable talents, Nzinga Imani is a passionate advocate for natural hair and plus size representation in the media. The actress has become renowned for her consistent use of natural hairstyles in her on-screen performances. While some may assume this choice is dictated by production preferences, Imani asserts that it was her decision. Why? It fundamentally revolves around the belief that Black hair is beautiful.
“I adore the aesthetics of natural hair. It’s incredibly beautiful to me,” she stated.
Beyond mere visual appeal, Imani stresses the necessity of highlighting natural hairlines and diverse styling options to challenge restrictive beauty standards.
“We must show young girls that beauty is not confined to a middle part. Embrace those curls. Whether you have a little extension or a puff, showcase your unique look,” she declared.
The choice to showcase natural hairstyles is a meticulously considered decision that encompasses more than it may seem at first glance. As a plus size model and actress, Imani is acutely aware of the responsibility she bears.
“I understand that I represent a community — girls, individuals, and women of all ages, from 70-year-olds to 10-year-olds, who approach me to express their gratitude for my representation,” she reflected.
While she recognizes the pressure that comes with this role, especially regarding fluctuating weight and public perception, Imani remains steadfast in her self-love and delivers a powerful message to others:
“You don’t need to conform to one specific image… You can embody the apple body shape, pursue roles, and still create a meaningful impact.”
Although the plus size industry has achieved significant progress, Imani still harbors concerns. As a model, she notes the disheartening trend of straight-sized models padding their bodies to imitate the physiques of plus size women. The struggle for plus size representation remains daunting, and Imani fears that we are regressing.
“It’s disheartening to witness, even with our advancements, how we are slowly backtracking,” she stated. “We observe this, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that when creating plus-size clothing, there is a unique understanding of how thick the straps should be, where the back can dip, and various other factors, as we must also consider undergarments and overall fit.”
Looking ahead to the future of plus size fashion in a society that appears to be regressing in body positivity, Imani remains hopeful, asserting that “the pendulum always swings.” She emphasizes the ongoing presence and purchasing power of plus size consumers and predicts that brands will eventually recognize the economic necessity of catering to this audience.
She also underscores the importance of community support for size-inclusive brands that are making strides in the right direction, stating, “We truly need to unite and uplift those brands so that others can see the significant financial opportunities we represent.”
Imani’s dedication extends beyond her on-screen roles and advocacy efforts. She actively engages in initiatives like The Plus Strut Run/Walk, an annual event in Atlanta that celebrates plus size fitness and community.
“This year marks the fifth anniversary, and they are organizing a three-day weekend event. It’s an incredible opportunity,” she explained.
Nzinga Imani stands as a dynamic and inspiring figure who leverages her platform not only to entertain but also to advocate for enhanced plus size representation and inclusivity. Her insights into the entertainment industry, coupled with her passionate commitment to body positivity, position her as a vital voice in the pursuit of a more equitable and diverse future.
