Zazi Kunene Sets the Record Straight: “Vusi Kunene is Just an Industry Dad”
Hey there, pop culture enthusiasts! If you’ve been keeping up with the latest buzz in the South African entertainment scene, you might have stumbled upon some interesting chatter surrounding the talented Zazi Kunene. The 25-year-old star of Generations: The Legacy recently took a moment to clear the air about her relationship with veteran actor Vusi Kunene, who plays the iconic Jack Mabaso. Spoiler alert: they’re not related!
In a candid chat with SMag, Zazi opened up about the rumors swirling around her connection to the legendary actor. She affectionately refers to Vusi as her “industry dad,” a title that reflects the supportive and uplifting role he plays on set rather than any familial ties. Zazi made her debut on the soap opera just last month, stepping into the shoes of Alice, a character navigating the challenges of being displaced and in need of shelter. Talk about diving into the deep end!
Zazi expressed her disbelief at how the rumor mill has spun this “relationship” into something much bigger than it is. “I still can’t believe how big this ‘relation thing’ has blown up,” she said. “I also can’t believe that people can make up something and believe it.” It’s a classic case of the internet running wild, and Zazi found herself feeling anxious about how the speculation might affect her career, especially now that she’s a part of the show.
The confusion seems to have originated back in 2022 when Zazi appeared on Smoke & Mirrors. With her growing exposure came a flurry of fake social media accounts claiming to be her, and it wasn’t long before the rumors about her being related to Vusi started circulating. “The first post I saw was of me and Nhlanhla Kunene saying that we’re related, but in reality, he’s just an industry friend,” she explained. And then, of course, the infamous post featuring her and Bab’Vusi followed.
Despite the chaos, Zazi has taken it all in stride. “Funny enough, even the people that work at Generations also ask whether he’s my dad. Like, how, when they’ve worked longer with him?” she quipped. It’s clear that while the public’s affection for the idea of a father-daughter dynamic between them is sweet, Zazi is eager to set the record straight.
Looking ahead, Zazi is ready to showcase her talents beyond acting. Her debut single, “Ungowami,” is set to drop on January 17, and she hopes it will help people see her as more than just a character on a screen. “I’m a perfectionist by nature and I overthink quite a lot,” she shared. “This industry is about not dropping the ball, but in the same breath, I forgot to enjoy my work.” It sounds like Zazi is on a journey of rediscovery, aiming to embrace her youth and the beauty of her artistic journey.
With her passion for both acting and music, Zazi Kunene is definitely a star on the rise. So, whether you’re tuning in to Generations: The Legacy or waiting for her new single, keep an eye on this talented young woman as she carves out her own path in the entertainment industry. And remember, Vusi Kunene may be her “industry dad,” but Zazi is here to prove she’s got her own story to tell!
