Streaming in over 100 countries, Bad Influencer, the latest series by Kudakwashe “Kudi” Maradzika on Netflix, is already making waves. Layered with themes of socio-economic pressure, motherhood, ambition, and the seductive chaos of social media, the show holds up a mirror to the world of hustle and bustle and the price that comes with it.
At the heart of it all is Zozibini Tunzi, taking on her first major acting role as Naomi, a super-influencer whose glossy life hides sharp edges. Known for her grace and authenticity, Zozi steps boldly into this complex character, offering a performance that’s as magnetic as it is unexpected. In this exclusive chat with GLAMOUR, she opens up about stepping into Naomi’s world, the lessons she’s learned on set, and why Bad Influencer is the kind of story everyone will see a piece of themselves in.
GLAMOUR: This is your first big acting role and your first time working with Netflix congratulations! How are you feeling about this new chapter?
Zozibini Tunzi: Thank you! Yes, it’s my very first major acting role, my first time working with Netflix, and my first series, so it’s a lot of firsts for me. I’m incredibly excited.
GLAMOUR: Tell us a little about your character, Naomi. We’ve heard she’s a no-nonsense kind of woman!
Zozibini Tunzi: (laughs) You heard right. Naomi is definitely a character people will be talking about, especially because it’s the first time anyone will see me in this kind of light. She’s cold, mean, and very calculative, but also charismatic, glamorous, and fabulous. She’s a public figure with many layers, and I had so much fun playing her. I think people will love to hate her.
GLAMOUR: Coming from a pageantry background, did you find any similarities between that world and acting
Zozibini Tunzi: Not really, they’re completely different worlds. The only connection is that they’re both public-facing and part of show business. But acting felt entirely new for me, totally detached from the pageant space.
GLAMOUR: Did you take acting lessons before filming?
Zozibini Tunzi: I did! I worked with an incredible acting coach, Patricia Boyer. She guided me through the process, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without her. I wanted to walk into this space with respect, not to take the opportunity for granted or think it was just handed to me because of who I am. I took my time, prepared, and learned. I’ve truly fallen in love with this craft, and I hope it loves me back.
GLAMOUR: The series is created and led by women. What did it mean to you to work with such powerful female voices?
Zozibini Tunzi: It’s such an honour. I’m always a champion for women, it’s women first for me. To be in this space with incredible women who are leading, creating, and telling stories that matter is beautiful. You feel that energy on set every day, it’s strong, warm, and gracious. Being led by women like Cindy and Jo-Anne has been so inspiring. This series is written, directed, and led by women, and that’s powerful.
GLAMOUR: Did you draw any inspiration from real-life Influencers/public figures when preparing for Naomi?
Zozibini Tunzi: Definitely. Not necessarily influencers, but I did study big public figures, watching interviews, observing their energy, how they carry themselves. I won’t name names (laughs), because I’m not sure they’d be flattered if they knew Naomi was inspired by them!
GLAMOUR: Speaking of influencers, what do you think are some common misconceptions about that world, especially for young girls watching from the outside?
Zozibini Tunzi: I think it’s important to remember that what people share online isn’t their whole life, it’s fragments of what they choose to show. So take everything with a grain of salt. Social media can be empowering, but it can also be dangerous if you consume it without awareness. I always tell my little sister: social media is not a true reflection of life. It’s a double-edged sword, it can empower you or mislead you, depending on how you use it.
GLAMOUR: What’s been the biggest lesson for you from this entire experience?
Zozibini Tunzi: To always stay a student of life. I walked into this space with my head down, ready to learn. Just because I’ve been Miss Universe doesn’t mean I know how to act. I respected the craft, the actors, the crew, everyone. So I came in open, humble, and ready to evolve. The biggest lesson is to always be teachable and willing to learn.
GLAMOUR: Before we wrap up, define a “bad influencer” in your own words.
Zozibini Tunzi: (laughs) Well, in Gen Z language, when something is bad, it means it’s fabulous! So I’m choosing to be positive, a bad influencer is someone who’s killing it, confident, and owning their space unapologetically.
GLAMOUR: And what do you hope audiences will take away from Bad Influencer?
Zozibini Tunzi: It’s such a beautiful, human story. You’ll see characters trying to make it in this crazy city, flawed, real, and deeply relatable. I think people will see pieces of themselves in these stories. It’s authentic and it reflects everyday South African life. That’s what I hope viewers take from it, the humanity of it all.
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