Zazi Kunene clears up rumours about her relationship with Vusi Kunene and talks about her exciting music career, with her debut single Ungowami set to release soon.
Rising star Zazi Kunene, known for her role on Generations: The Legacy, is setting the record straight about her relationship with veteran actor Vusi Kunene.
The 25-year-old actress and budding music sensation recently addressed the persistent rumours that the iconic actor, best known for his portrayal of Jack Mabaso, is her biological father.
In an exclusive interview, Zazi explained that Vusi Kunene is simply an “industry dad” and a supportive figure on set, but they are not related by blood.
This clarification comes after months of speculation, particularly since her debut on Generations: The Legacy in December 2024.
Zazi expressed her disbelief at how the rumour about her and Vusi being father and daughter had gained so much traction. “I still can’t believe how big this ‘relation thing’ has blown up. I also can’t believe that people can make up something and believe it.
I was so nervous when I joined Generations, thinking that people are going to believe it even more now that I’m on the show,” she said.
Zazi was particularly taken aback by how people ran with the story, even though she had publicly denied it on multiple occasions.
The rumour first surfaced in 2022 when Zazi was a part of Smoke & Mirrors, a show that gave her a significant boost in exposure. With that exposure came fake social media accounts, some of which spread false stories about her family connections.
One post in particular paired her with Nhlanhla Kunene, a friend from the show Adulting, claiming they were related.
Then, another post appeared, showing her with Vusi Kunene, sparking the paternal rumours. “I was at a loss for words not knowing how I was going to tell the world that he wasn’t my real dad,” Zazi recalled.
Despite her attempts to clear the air, the rumour persisted, especially on platforms like TikTok, where fans often commented on her videos asking if Vusi was her father.
Zazi said that while she would try to correct the misinformation, many people would still cling to the idea they had formed, regardless of what she said.
“People usually comment on my TikTok videos saying he’s my father, and I’d set the record straight, but somehow they will choose to run with what they know and not what I’m telling them,” she explained.
Vusi Kunene himself is aware of the false rumours but has not been bothered by them. Zazi shared that despite the constant speculation, Vusi remains a supportive figure in her life and career. “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?” Zazi quipped. Despite the mix-up, Zazi has nothing but gratitude for the actor, who she considers a mentor and a fatherly figure in the industry.
While Zazi appreciates the public’s affection for her relationship with Vusi, she is eager to establish her own identity as an artist.
Her debut single, Ungowami, is set to drop on January 17, 2025, and she hopes it will showcase her talent as more than just an actress. Zazi has been working hard to carve out a music career, one that reflects her true passion for singing.
“I’m a perfectionist by nature, and I overthink quite a lot. This industry is about not dropping the ball, but in the same breath, I forgot to enjoy my work,” she admitted.
Zazi explained that she had been so focused on her acting career that she neglected her musical aspirations for a while. “I forgot to be young and bask in all the beauty of my journey. There are so many voices and this made me crawl into my shell,” she said.
Her time in the film industry, although fulfilling, left her with little time for voice training and nurturing her musical skills. “I used to train my voice and acting muscles, but once I got into the film industry, I couldn’t give myself time to do any voice training.
In all of this, I lost my voice a bit,” she confessed. However, Zazi is determined to make a comeback in music, and Ungowami is just the beginning of what she hopes will be a long and successful career in the music industry.
Zazi’s passion for music is deeply rooted in her love for the craft, and she has always dreamed of collaborating with other artists who inspire her. One artist she would love to work with is Zoë Modiga, a South African singer-songwriter known for her unique sound.
Zazi admires Zoë’s style and the way she connects with her audience through her music. “I would love to work with Zoë Modiga one day,” Zazi said, expressing her admiration for the talented musician.
Zazi’s rise to fame has been a testament to her hard work and determination. She has been a part of several popular shows, including Queendom, Shaka iLembe, Moya, Jiva!, and Pinky Pinky.
Each role has contributed to her growing popularity, but Zazi is now ready to step into the spotlight as a music artist. Her fans are excited to see what she has in store, and with her debut single set to drop soon, Zazi is poised to take the music world by storm.
As she continues to grow in both her acting and music careers, Zazi is determined to remain true to herself and her roots. Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Zazi has always been grounded in her values and has worked hard to get to where she is today.
Despite the fame and the rumours, Zazi remains focused on her craft and is excited about the future. She hopes that her music will inspire others to follow their dreams, just as she has done.
In addition to her music career, Zazi is also set to return as Nomcoba in the highly anticipated Shaka iLembe, a series that tells the story of the legendary Zulu king.
Her role in the series is just another step in her journey to becoming a household name in both the acting and music industries.
With her debut single Ungowami dropping soon, Zazi Kunene is ready to show the world that she is more than just an actress. She is a talented singer and performer with a bright future ahead of her.
Fans are eager to hear her music and see where this new chapter in her career will take her.
