Rare And Exclusive Interview With Media Personality Vimbai Mutinhiri

Vimbai Mutinhiri is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, an accomplished actress, model and television presenter, she has done it all. Now embarking on a new adventure as her career has been, she talks to us about finding her purpose, her love for nature and conquering African media.

Read all about it in this rare and exclusive interview with Miss Vimbai.

Q: How would you describe Vimbai in 2015?

A: Miss Vimbai is a growing and evolving brand across Africa. Vimbai is a unique voice that is paving a new path for pan African entertainment that defies borders.

Q: What is your first love acting, modelling or presenting?

A: That’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is. All of my crafts form a different expression of who I am. They each bring me a different kind of joy and fulfillment – but they all achieve one main goal which is to influence the world through self expression.

Q: How did your upbringing influence your career choices?

A: I grew up as a traveler – so because of this I became very accustomed to interacting with people from all walks of life, different cultures and nationalities. This also created a curiosity and adventurous spirit within me. It was inevitable that I would end up being a creative, and working in industry where I get to engage with people who express themselves creatively. My upbringing played a major role in creating who I am today.

Q: Looking back what would you say was your career defining moment?

A: Definitely the moment I joined Star Gist – that was the beginning of my professional journey in entertainment. I embraced a craft and started to harness it and grow it. That was a major period for me.

Q: What has been your proudest moment so far?

Wow. I have so many! My proudest moment is probably being on the cover of Nigerian magazine Mania – it was such a powerful statement about how a new market had embraced me and was ready to accept me and celebrate my work. For me, it solidified my position in African entertainment as someone who had a cross over appeal all over the continent.

Q: How did the Big Brother experience affect your life and career?

A: Big Brother changed my life – it was the platform that introduced me to the world and got me noticed for my current roles. It was a real blessing. It was not just about being famous, or becoming well known – it launched me into a fantastic career.

Q: How did Star Gist come about is it something you were looking for?

A: Destiny brought me to Star Gist. I was invited to a closed audition shortly after Big Brother and I made it! It was indirectly something I was looking for because I had been praying for a break, and trusting that God would make it happen. And of course, He did not disappoint me.

Q: To have been the inaugural host of AMMVAs and do it again, how does it feel?

A: This was a life changing experience! To host such a major and important show was an honor. I was in the presence of legends, greatness and some of the most talented people on earth! It was exhilarating! There is nothing on earth like that feeling.

Q: Your new venture, traveling across the continent, is it a long life dream of yours, would you say you’re an outdoor person?

A: YES! This has been dream for so many years – to travel the world and showcase it and share the experiences with the world. As I said earlier, I was born into a traveling family and the love of adventure is something I have always had within me. My dad actually calls me the little adventurer. I am a total outdoor person – I love water sports specifically; jet skiing, water skiing, snorkeling. Being outdoors brings me so much joy!

Q: We see you gracing covers from Zim to Nigeria, what does the recognition mean to you?

A: The recognition is such a welcome confirmation that my dreams are valid, and that my labor has not been in vain. It is such a beautiful feeling to have the world recognize and acknowledge your efforts. It’s a beautiful feeling.

Q: Do you think the Zim media industry is moving in the right direction, what would you change?

A: There are young radio stations which are growing, and the space is opening up for new TV platforms as well and that by any measure certainly means the industry is moving in the right direction. At this stage, from the outside looking in, there is very little I would change. I would just hope Zimbabweans can become more aggressive about sharing their stories outside of the country’s boarders.

Q: Would you encourage a young person who is passionate about media to pursue it in Zimbabwe?

A: I encourage absolutely any young person to pursue their passion in life, but one must be smart about it. Get training and schooling in the things that tickle your heart so you can be an authority in that field, and you can be a professional. We now live in a global village, so I encourage people to act locally but think globally. Pursue your passion in Zimbabwe, but do it in a way that will attract the attention of anyone anywhere in the world.

Q: What inspires you, where do you go to when you need inspiration?

A: I have discovered my purpose, and this is my inspiration – I know the plans God has for me and how far he wants me to go. I turn to Him daily through prayer and meditation.

Q: What’s your advice to the youth of Zimbabwe?

A: Better is not good enough, the best is yet to come. Never accept the “impossible” verdict over your life from anybody. So many people told me I could never do it, but I knew who I was. Make sure you take time to find yourself and know who you are!

Q: What’s the one rule you live by?

A: Just for today! – I live every single moment fully with an open heart and gratitude.

Q: You have a very unique and chic style, is that how you would describe it?

A: LOL. My style has evolved so much – but I have come into my own as chic, elegant, playful and quirky.

Q: What’s the top three things you can’t leave your house without?

A: My sunglasses, my perfume and my lipstick!

Q: Is Vimbai single and what do you look for in a life partner?

A: Vimbai does not kiss and tell 

Q: Where can your fans reach you?

Twitter: @miss_vimbai
Instagram: @miss_vimbai
Website: www.missvimbai.com