Emmanuel Kafe-Lifestyle Writer
The next time you settle down to watch a Hollywood blockbuster, a popular Netflix series or a South African television drama, there is a good chance that a Zimbabwean name is somewhere in the credits.
They may not always be introduced as Zimbabweans, but from the big screens of Hollywood to the entertainment studios of Johannesburg, Zimbabwean talent is finding its place in an industry that attracts millions of viewers across the world.
Some have become familiar faces in international productions, others are making their names in Africa’s competitive music and television industries, while a new generation is beginning to attract attention beyond the continent.
One of the biggest names on that list is Danai Gurira.
Born in the United States to Zimbabwean parents, Gurira has become one of the country’s most recognisable international entertainment exports.
Many television viewers know her as Michonne, the fearless survivor in the popular American television series The Walking Dead. Others recognise her as Okoye, the formidable leader of the Dora Milaje in Marvel’s Black Panther films, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
Beyond acting, Gurira is an accomplished playwright whose work has earned international recognition, including a Tony Award nomination for Eclipsed.
Another familiar name is British actress Thandiwe Newton, whose mother was born in Zimbabwe.
Thandiwe Newton
Newton has built an impressive international career, appearing in productions such as Mission: Impossible II, Crash, The Pursuit of Happyness and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
Her performance in the television series Westworld earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2018.
Then there is Tongayi Chirisa, who has steadily built a career across Zimbabwe, South Africa and Hollywood.
Zimbabwean audiences first became familiar with Chirisa through his role as Detective Trevor Davies in the local soap opera Studio 263.
He has since appeared in international productions including Crusoe, iZombie, Palm Springs and Mayfair Witches. He also joined the voice cast of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, playing Cheetor.
Zimbabwean actress Sibongile Mlambo is another name worth watching.
She has appeared in international productions including Netflix’s Lost in Space, the historical adventure series Black Sails and MTV’s Teen Wolf. She also appeared in films such as Message from the King and Under the Silver Lake.
Another Zimbabwean making her mark is Charmaine Bingwa, a Zimbabwean-Australian actress who has worked alongside some of the industry’s biggest names.
Bingwa gained international recognition for her portrayal of Carmen Moyo in the American legal drama The Good Fight. She also starred opposite Will Smith in the historical drama Emancipation, playing Dodienne.
Her performance earned her a Black Reel Award nomination, while her earlier achievements included winning the prestigious Heath Ledger Scholarship in 2018.
Her journey demonstrates how Zimbabwean talent continues to find opportunities in major international productions.
Chipo Chung is another actress whose career deserves attention.
Chipo Chung
The Zimbabwean-Chinese actress has built an international profile through television, film and theatre. Her screen credits include Doctor Who, A.D. The Bible Continues, Into the Badlands, His Dark Materials and Black Cake.
She also features in Apple’s science-fiction drama Silo, adding another major international production to an already impressive portfolio.
Her work extends beyond acting, with an interest in theatre and storytelling that explores identity and social issues.
Then there is Tanyaradzwa Fear, popularly known as Tanya Fear, whose roots are in Bulawayo.
Fear has appeared in the long-running British science-fiction series Doctor Who, the Hollywood superhero comedy Kick-Ass 2 and Netflix’s Spotless.
Interestingly, she has also expressed a desire to reconnect with Zimbabwe’s creative industry, encouraging local filmmakers to develop stories that can reach international audiences.
But Zimbabwean success is not confined to acting.
One of the country’s most remarkable international music stories belongs to Brian Soko, a Zimbabwean music producer whose work reached the highest level of the global music industry.
Soko was part of the songwriting and production team behind Beyoncé’s smash hit Drunk in Love, featuring Jay-Z.
The song won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song at the 57th Grammy Awards in 2015, giving Soko a place among the Zimbabweans who have achieved the highest recognition in international music.
Brian Soko
It is a particularly interesting connection because his contribution was not simply being in the same room with global superstars. His name appears among the song’s credited writers, alongside Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Across the Limpopo, South Africa’s television and music industries have become important platforms for Zimbabwean entertainers.
One of the country’s most recognisable musical exports is Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, popularly known as Sha Sha.
Born in Mutare, the singer became one of the prominent female voices in the amapiano movement, working with influential South African producers including DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small.
Her breakthrough earned her the Best New International Act award at the 2020 BET Awards, placing her among African musicians attracting attention beyond the continent.
Afro-soul singer Berita, born Gugulethu Khumalo in Bulawayo, has also established herself in South Africa.
Her breakthrough came with the song Thandolwethu, which introduced her music to a wider audience.
She has since released several albums and collaborated with respected musicians, including the late Oliver Mtukudzi and Hugh Masekela.
On the acting front, Chrispen Nyathi has become a familiar face to South African television audiences.
The Bulawayo-born actor gained recognition for his portrayal of Pastor Charleston Ncube in Mzansi Magic’s drama series DiepCity.
His journey began with smaller opportunities, including working as a background artist before securing more substantial roles. He also featured in the Hollywood film Rogue, alongside Megan Fox.
Another Zimbabwean making an impression is Tafara Nyatsanza, who has moved between South African television and international productions.
Born in Mutare, Nyatsanza is known for playing Tendai in Netflix’s Blood & Water and appearing in the Hollywood thriller Beast, alongside Idris Elba.
His growing international profile places him among the younger Zimbabwean actors building careers across different markets.
Meanwhile, comedian Learnmore Jonasi has been taking Zimbabwean humour to international audiences.
Learnmore Jonasi
After developing his craft through comedy performances, Jonasi attracted wider attention through his appearance on America’s Got Talent in 2024.
His storytelling, often drawing on everyday African experiences and Zimbabwean culture, has helped him connect with audiences far beyond home.
What connects these personalities is not necessarily where they were born or where they currently live, but the different ways they have carried Zimbabwean talent into international entertainment spaces.
Some have done it through acting, others through music, writing and comedy.
Their journeys demonstrate that international success does not always follow the same route.
For some, it begins with local television, for others with a music collaboration, theatre performance or a chance to audition for an international production.
Their achievements also present an opportunity for Zimbabwe’s creative industry to build stronger connections with professionals working abroad, creating room for collaborations, investment and the telling of Zimbabwean stories to international audiences.
From Hollywood to Mzansi, Zimbabwean talent is finding its audience, and increasingly, its place in the global entertainment industry.
