I love Tyler Perry’s shows and one of my favorites is Zatima. If you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, it’s on BET+ and it’s about a couple named Zac and Fatima, who navigate their careers, relationship, friendships, trauma and the world together. Fatima’s best friend is a beautiful, stylish and curvy woman named Angela, who is confident, funny and unapologetically herself. She defies the on screen stereotype that beauty and confidence is wrapped up in a size two and her answers to my questions made me really want to be friends with the person who plays Angela on the show and not just her character.
Nzinga Imani is the powerhouse behind Angela, and trust me, she’s every bit as inspiring as the character she brings to life. As an actress, plus-sized model, fashion designer, makeup artist, and hairstylist, Nzinga is a woman of many talents, but what truly stands out is her unwavering confidence and commitment to self-love. Her journey hasn’t just been about breaking barriers in industries that weren’t always inclusive—it’s been about rewriting the rules entirely. Through her work, she empowers women to embrace their authenticity unapologetically, proving that beauty, success, and confidence come in every shape and size. After interviewing her, I can confidently say that Nzinga Imani isn’t just someone you’ll admire on screen—she’s someone you’ll root for in real life.
Tell us more about you? We know that you’re an actress who plays Angela on Tyler Perry’s Zatima, a beautiful plus- sized model, a fashion designer, makeup artist and hair stylist, but take us back to the beginning. Who is Nzinga Imani, the woman, how’d she get started in her career and how do you stay true to who you are while navigating it?
Growing up, I was the girl who loved performing, whether that meant singing, acting, or painting. I’ve always been drawn to the arts, but my journey to where I am now hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been full of discovery, perseverance, and self-love.
My career started with a deep love for music, which led me to study voice and to performing on stage. That experience opened the door to acting, where I truly found my footing. My modeling journey began as an extension of my belief in body positivity and self-confidence. I wanted to show that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and it’s okay to embrace exactly who you are. From there, my passion for fashion, makeup, and hairstyling grew into creative outlets where I could empower others to feel their best.
Staying true to who I am has been a constant practice of grounding myself in my values. I prioritize authenticity, self-care, and the support of my family and loved ones, who remind me of my “why.” In a fast-paced industry, it’s easy to get caught up in expectations, but I keep my focus on being a role model for others who need to see someone like them thriving unapologetically. That commitment to representing my truth motivates me every day.
Your confidence is truly inspiring, especially to so many plus-sized women who may not feel as self-assured. Where does your confidence come from, and how do you empower other women to embrace their authentic selves unapologetically?
My confidence comes from a deep journey of self-love and self-acceptance. I’ve had moments of self-doubt and insecurities like anyone else, but I’ve learned to embrace every part of who I am, flaws and all. My faith plays a big role in reminding me that I was created intentionally and that my worth isn’t determined by anyone else’s standards. Surrounding myself with positive, supportive people also helps me stay grounded and uplifted.
Representation matters so much. When women see someone like them on screen, on runways, or leading in creative spaces, it reminds them that they can do it too. Confidence isn’t about perfection; it’s about owning who you are—and that’s something we all deserve.
I love film and television because I think healing comes through storytelling. What character have you played that you feel like you’ve learned the most from and maybe even applied what you learned to your own life?
Angela in Tyler Perry’s Zatima is such a dynamic character—she’s strong, loyal, and unafraid to speak her mind, but she also has moments of vulnerability. I find we share many similarities. What I’ve learned most from her is the importance of boundaries and self-respect, unfortunately I’ve learned that more from her mistakes in the show rather than her setting a good example. Either way it’s been a gift to step into her shoes and tell a story that resonates with so many people.
Angela, your character on Zatima, is bold, sexy, and desirable. How has stepping into her shoes influenced your sense of self, and in what ways do you think Angela reflects Nzinga Imani?
Angela’s style, boldness, and ability to own every space she steps into are so aligned with my online persona that I honestly feel like she was designed with me in mind. She’s a fierce friend, a supportive partner, and someone who values herself deeply—and that’s who I strive to be in my own life. She reminds me to embrace my sensuality and reminds me of the power in it. She’s a celebration of everything that makes being a confident, curvy, successful, and stylish woman so powerful, and I feel honored to bring her to life.
Can you tell me five things you use or do in order to take care of your physical, mental and emotional health?
Absolutely! Taking care of my physical, mental, and emotional health is a top priority, especially in an industry that can be so demanding. Here are five things I do:
- Daily Affirmations and Prayer
I start my day with prayer and positive affirmations to set the tone for my mindset. It’s my way of grounding myself, expressing gratitude, and reminding myself of my worth and purpose.
- Movement I Enjoy
Whether it’s taking a dance class or taking a walk, I make time for movement that feels good. Fitness is not about punishing my body but celebrating what I can do with it.
- Journaling
Writing helps me clear my mind and process my emotions. I use journaling as a way to check in with myself, release stress, and stay connected to my goals.
4. Skincare and Self-Care Rituals
Taking care of my skin and indulging in little self-care moments like long baths or spa days is a way I show myself love. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good in my own skin and taking the time to pamper myself.
- Quality Time with Loved Ones
Spending time with my family, close friends, and people who pour into me. Their love and support reminds me that I don’t have to carry everything on my own.
These practices help me stay balanced and allow me to show up as my best self in all areas of my life.
Tell us about your fashion line; what inspired it and what is your hope for it?
My fashion line is all about celebrating confidence, individuality, and inclusivity. I was inspired to create it because I know firsthand how hard it can be for plus-sized women to find clothing that’s not only stylish but also fits beautifully and makes them feel amazing. I wanted to design pieces that empower women to embrace their bodies and express themselves unapologetically. It’s not just about creating clothes; it’s about creating a movement that redefines beauty standards and promotes self-love.
My hope for the line is that it becomes a go-to for women who want to feel seen, celebrated, and confident. I want every woman who wears my designs to feel like they’re stepping into their power. Fashion is such a personal form of self-expression, and I hope my line helps women tell their own stories in style.
Representation matters so much, especially in media and fashion. What does it mean to you to be a plus-sized Black woman breaking barriers in industries that haven’t always been inclusive?
Being a plus-sized Black woman breaking barriers in media and fashion means everything to me. Representation is powerful because it allows people to see themselves reflected in ways that affirm their beauty, their worth, and their dreams.
For so long, the media and fashion industries have had narrow definitions of beauty, leaving out women who look like me. But I’ve learned that when you show up as your authentic self, unapologetically, you give others permission to do the same. My presence in these spaces is a declaration that we belong, that our voices and stories matter, and that there is no one way to be beautiful, successful, or powerful.
It’s also a responsibility that I take seriously. I want to continue breaking down doors, challenging stereotypes, and proving that diversity isn’t just important—it’s necessary. By showing up as a curvy, confident, Black woman, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, embrace their uniqueness, and demand the representation they deserve.
What role does spirituality or personal philosophy play in keeping you grounded? Do you have any rituals or practices that help you stay centered in the face of challenges?
Spirituality plays a huge role in keeping me grounded. My faith is my foundation—it reminds me of my purpose, keeps me aligned with my values, and gives me the strength to face challenges with grace. Knowing that I’m part of something bigger than myself helps me navigate the ups and downs of life without losing sight of who I am or what I stand for. I find that I feel most connected to the creator when in water so I make it a point to pray whenever I find myself in water especially in the ocean.
Lastly, I prioritize gratitude. No matter what’s going on, I try to find something to be thankful for—it shifts my perspective and keeps me rooted in positivity. This reminds me that every experience—good or bad—is part of my journey.
If you could raid the wardrobe of any fictional character or celebrity, who would it be and why? And what’s one fashion item you can’t live without?
If I could raid anyone’s wardrobe, it would be Regine from Living Single and Fran from The Nanny. Their styles were sexy yet classy, and sophisticated—always bold and unforgettable.
The one fashion item I can’t live without is a great purse—it’s the perfect accessory to complete any look not to mention it holds all the tools to make a great look such as: lotion, lip gloss or lipstick, and a great place to hide bulky keys that would undoubtedly ruin an elegant look.
Imagine you’re hosting a dinner party and can invite three people, living or from history. Who’s coming, what’s on the menu, and what’s the vibe of the evening?
If I could host a dinner party, I would invite Oprah Winfrey, Josephine Baker, and Maya Angelou. These women have all broken barriers, used their voices to inspire, and left legacies that continue to impact generations. The conversations around that table would be rich with wisdom, creativity, and empowerment. I’d love to hear about their journeys, the challenges they overcame, and their advice for staying true to oneself while creating meaningful change.
The menu would be a mix of soul food and island-inspired dishes to represent my roots—think honey-glazed salmon, jerk chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and plantain. For dessert, rum cake would seal the deal.
The vibe would be warm, intimate, and celebratory, with soft lighting, fresh flowers, and some jazz playing in the background. It’d be a night of storytelling, laughter, and connection.
In the spirit of our theme for this issue, More Confidence, Less Compromise, what does that mean to you and why is it important for Black women and women of color?
This resonates deeply with me because as Black women we often time out ourselves on the back burner while trying to help others. Less compromise means refusing to shrink in spaces where we deserve to thrive. It’s about claiming our space unapologetically, setting boundaries, and rejecting the idea that we must conform to make others comfortable.This mantra is crucial for Black women and women of color because the world often tries to dictate our value, but when we embrace our confidence and stop compromising, we shift the narrative.
