Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MOVE over established names; a new generation of Zimbabwean talent is bursting onto the international artistic scene, carrying the nation’s creative flag with remarkable skill and youthful exuberance. From the mist of the mighty Victoria Falls to the bustling sets of Hollywood North, tweenager Sikhanyiso Ngwenya (10) and teenager Nakai Takawira are not merely promising prospects — they are already making waves and reshaping expectations.
In a landmark moment for Zimbabwean cinema, Victoria Falls native Ngwenya etched his name into history this past June. At the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, he became the youngest Zimbabwean actor ever to debut on its revered screens, starring in the film RISE.
The title proved prophetic. In his first major theatrical role, Ngwenya shared the screen with seasoned Hollywood actor Tongayi Chirisa, under the direction of Jessica Rowlands and the production of Joe Njagu. His performance signalled the undeniable rise of a new star, marking not just a personal triumph but a significant stride for Zimbabwean filmmaking on the global stage.
Joining Ngwenya in this wave of global ambition is Nakai Takawira, a 15-year-old Canadian-born actor proudly embracing her Zimbabwean heritage. Though geographically distant, Takawira shares the same drive and exceptional talent.
Her journey began in Vancouver after relocating from Germany in 2014. Her mother, Amanda, enrolled her at Arts Umbrella, a non-profit centre for arts education where young creatives aged 2 to 22 explore art, design, dance, theatre, music, and film. Dance, theatre, and visual arts classes sparked Takawira’s imagination, with early roles — including a play about a “karate girl” co-written in class — hinting at her potential.
A chance encounter on Granville Island changed everything. Director Allison Anders, scouting extras for the Beaches remake, approached Amanda, and soon discovered Nakai was also needed as a child photo double.
The experience, complete with a personal trailer — a novelty compared to the extras’ tent — was electrifying. News reached Takawira’s Aunt Laurel, who swiftly connected them with an agent. Nakai’s audition was revelatory: she memorised lines instantly and instinctively blocked a scene, skills honed at Arts Umbrella under instructor Kevin Hatch. She landed the agent on the spot.
Since then, Takawira has built an impressive body of work that belies her age. Her résumé includes feature films such as The Simone Biles Story and Harry and Meghan: A Royal Romance, leading roles in major commercials including P&G’s 2018 Winter Olympics and Reddi-wip, and recurring television roles in Scout & The Gumboot Kids and Legends of Tomorrow as Young Kuasa.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Auditions are intense — memorising three pages overnight for Simone Biles and enduring long waits for callbacks. On-set life demands resilience, from braving thin snowsuits on Hemlock Mountain for the Olympics ad to consuming copious amounts of whipped cream during a Reddi-wip shoot.
“I kept eating the Reddi-wip, not even the pancakes. I did not touch a little of the pancakes. And then at the end, I sprayed it” — she mimicked the motion of spraying whipped cream straight into her mouth — “and then I screamed because I had so much sugar!” That sugar-fuelled scream was captured on camera.
Dedicated to her craft, Takawira studies improvisation and the demanding “emotional connection” technique at the Leblanc School of Acting, learning to access deep feelings on cue.
“It’s training them to be able to draw those triggers in the moment,” explained Amanda.
Initially overwhelmed by her sensitivity, Nakai has since learned emotional management tools, including her “golden box.”
Despite a packed schedule balancing acting, school — she’s fluent in English, French, and German, and is learning Spanish and ASL — and specialised classes, she prioritises joy. She paints, cooks, rides horses, line dances, practises karate, travels the world with her mother, and devours spy stories.
“I’ve always wondered if spy gear or anything about spies exists. Because I might buy one. I love spying. You can’t get classes to spy because people that are spies don’t tell you.”
On set, she’s known for her infectious energy — high-fiving every crew member and leaving tokens of appreciation.
“My hope is that she stays humble, she stays grounded, she stays realistic,” Amanda said, prompting a playful grin from Nakai: “I thought you meant grounded as in punished!”
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