Nzinga Imani: A Multi-Talented Force Championing Plus-Size Representation

A Star on the Rise: From Zatima to New Horizons

Nzinga Imani, known for her role as Angela on BET+'s Zatima, is a whirlwind of talent, seamlessly blending acting, modeling, singing, and entrepreneurship. She's not just resting on her laurels, though. Get ready to see her in a captivating new role!

Imani is diving into the second season of "I Got a Story to Tell," a series she describes as a BET version of "Black Mirror." As the lead in one episode, she'll be tackling a complex character undergoing a dramatic transformation, a role sure to showcase her incredible acting range.

Beyond this thrilling project, Imani is also taking on the role of executive producer and starring in the upcoming film, "Friend Zone," a project she's eagerly awaiting release.

Creative Collaborations and Challenging Narratives

Imani's creativity knows no bounds! She's currently collaborating with her younger sister on a powerful project exploring the diverse experiences of women in the modeling industry, contrasting Imani's journey as a plus-size model with her sister's as a straight-size model. This project promises to dismantle assumptions and shed light on the unique challenges faced on both sides of the size spectrum.

"As a plus-sized person, I can look at what someone else is dealing with and assume that they don’t have certain issues," Imani explained, "when on the other side of the spectrum, there’s still plenty of other things that they have to deal with.” This project underscores Imani's commitment to telling authentic stories that spark dialogue and deeper understanding.

Embracing Diverse Paths: A Journey of Following Opportunities

Imani's career path is a testament to the power of embracing diverse talents. Actress, singer, model, makeup artist, producer, businesswoman—she does it all! How does she manage? By letting her creativity and the opportunities presented to her guide the way.

“It’s funny how modeling pushed my makeup artistry to be a bigger business, which in turn pushed my acting to be a bigger business,” Imani shared, highlighting the interconnectedness of her skills.

Imani encourages others to follow her lead, embracing a "Where are you leading me, Lord? I'll follow you" mentality.

This approach has not only broadened her horizons but also provided stability, allowing her to thrive across multiple fields. "Do it all and don’t be scared to do more," she advises, especially for those in the arts.

She acknowledges the saying "Jack of all trades is a master of none" but counters that in the creative world, versatility is a strength, particularly in the early stages of a career. "Sometimes you have to be that one-woman team," she states.

Championing Natural Hair and Plus Size Representation

Nzinga Imani isn't just a multi-talented artist; she's also a powerful advocate. She consistently showcases her natural hair on screen, a deliberate choice rooted in her belief in the beauty of Black hair.

"I love the way natural hair looks," she stated. "It’s so beautiful to me.” Beyond aesthetics, she recognizes the importance of challenging narrow beauty standards. "Showing girls that you don’t have to have a middle part bust down to be beautiful" is a key part of her mission.

As a plus-size model and actress, Imani feels the weight of responsibility in representing her community. "I know that I’m representing a community," she acknowledges, aware of the impact she has on women of all ages.

Despite the pressures of public perception, Imani remains steadfast in her self-love and her message to others: "You don’t have to look one particular way…You can have the apple body, you can still get the parts, and you can still make an impact.”

Navigating the Complexities of Plus-Size Fashion

While progress has been made, Imani is concerned about the practice of straight-sized models padding their bodies to mimic plus-size figures. "It’s heartbreaking to see, even though we’ve come so far, how much we’re slowly tiptoeing back,” she lamented.

Despite these setbacks, Imani remains optimistic about the future of plus-size fashion. She believes in the power of the plus-size consumer and encourages community support for size-inclusive brands doing it right. "We really do have to come together and elevate those brands so that the other brands can see we’re missing some major money over here.”

Beyond the Screen: Walking the Walk

Imani's commitment extends beyond her professional work. She actively participates in events like The Plus Strut Run/Walk in Atlanta, a celebration of plus-size fitness and community. Her involvement highlights her dedication to promoting positive change.