*As “Zatima” kicks off its highly anticipated fourth season on BET+, Nzinga Imani is ready to show audiences a new side of her beloved character, Angela. The spinoff of Tyler Perry’s hit series “Sistas” premiered its first two episodes on September 11, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.
Imani, who has built a thriving career spanning acting, singing, modeling, and entrepreneurship, shared what fans can expect from Angela this season. “One of my favorite things about this season is that Courtney Gladé, the director, writer for this season, made sure that all the characters, all the sub-characters who you see around Zack and Fatima, have their own storyline going and growing this season,” she said. “So with Angela, you get to see a lot more vulnerability. She’s definitely still in that confused relationship space, but it takes a turn.”
That “turn,” Imani teases, will be one that audiences won’t see coming. “A turn that I don’t think anyone’s going to be prepared for or ready for, but you’re going to see a lot more from Angela and a lot more vulnerability from her side,” she explained. Angela’s storyline will also intersect with Fatima’s pregnancy, which shifts Angela into a more protective role. “Fatima’s normally the pit bull who can fend for herself, but now she’s pregnant. So I think Angela’s number one duty as a friend is to make sure that she’s staying calm and not being stressed out with this baby.”
This dynamic also changes Angela’s interactions with Zack. “She gets to ease up on Zack a little bit, just a little bit this season,” Imani added. “And that’s nice, too, because that allows Zack, who’s played by Devale Ellis, and I to have some scenes together, too, that are fun and in light nature, so we’re not always nagging at each other.”
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From Audition to Series Regular
Imani’s journey with Tyler Perry began with her audition for “Sistas.” “My first audition for Tyler Perry was actually for the show Sistas, the role of Danny,” she recalled. While she didn’t land that job, the experience opened doors to even bigger opportunities. “Everything happens for a reason, because the next time that we saw each other, I was on set for All the Queen’s Men, and I did one scene in that show and then was able to audition to be a series regular on Zatima, which is kind of unheard of to go from one scene on one show to a series regular on the next.”
Imani was first introduced to audiences in “Zatima” before being written into “Sistas” to help set up the spinoff. “… all these blessings came my way, and I could not be happier with the trajectory and the way that it all worked out,” she said.
Working closely with Perry has also shaped her approach to her craft. “One thing I love about working with Tyler is in the moment, because it’s his show and in the moment, if he’s feeling something or he thinks of something, the scene is changing,” Imani explained. “Be ready to improv, be ready to move and switch things up, and I love that energy because coming from a theater background, I love that.”
She credits Perry with teaching her the importance of action over perfection. “Things don’t have to be perfect, but you have to start them,” she shared. “There’s always going to be criticism. There’s always going to be a million people who have something to say about it, but what are they creating? How are they improving the world? Doesn’t matter. What are you doing?”
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Connecting with Angela
Angela has become a fan favorite for her sharp wit and fierce loyalty, traits that Imani both relates to and enjoys exploring. “It’s so fun stepping in Angela’s shoes because I feel like in a lot of ways she is like me. We have a similar fashion sense. We’re both kind of like fun and a little outspoken,” she said.
However, there’s one major difference between them. “I think where we differ is she is a lot meaner, and especially in terms of relationships, I tend to stay out of people’s business,” Imani noted. “I try to stay out of the drama, and I feel like she dives headfirst. She sees the drama, and she gets all up involved.”
This dynamic has resonated strongly with fans, something Imani attributes to Angela’s relatability. “The way that she involves herself so deeply in all of Fatima’s problems, I admire that about her, because I’m not that deeply involved in every aspect of my friends’ lives,” she said.
Building a Fashion Brand
Beyond acting, Imani is also the CEO of her own boutique,Shop Nimani, which she runs with her sister. “Sometimes you just gotta do it all and see what sticks,” she said of juggling her multiple careers. Her recent collaboration with Lane Bryant was a full-circle moment for the actress and entrepreneur.
“I love working with Lane Bryant. For one, I get asked about undergarments so very often. So to be able to share that with people was great, and their team is great,” Imani shared. “To be able to wear and promote something that I truly stand behind and wear… I love partnering with brands that I know and I use.”
Looking Ahead
As for what’s next, Imani has her sights set on a dream project. “I want to do a musical series very, very badly,” she revealed.
Watch our full conversation with the star below as she shares what’s ahead, including plans for her upcoming album.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Devale Ellis and Crystal Renee Hayslett Dish on Zac and Fatima’s Emotional Journey in Season 3 of Tyler Perry’s ‘Zatima’ | EUR Video Exclusive
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