Popular TV actress and presenter and recording artist, Denise Zimba is making her return into the entertainment industry, this time, through music. You will know her from VEntertainment as one of the most followed and revered TV presenters who dazzled audiences with her charming personality.
After taking a hiatus from the industry to start her own family in Germany, Zimba says she is ready to start recording new music and pursuing other dreams and ambitions she has for her career in the entertainment industry.
The entertainment bug clearly never left Zimba despite her break from the industry because she managed to bag herself studio sessions with Remy Martin SA Producer’s competition winner, Profound. Since winning the first of its kind competition, the young producer’s career has catapulted and landed him his debut single, Abangani Bami, featuring Riky Rick.
Denise Zimba said she stayed in touch with the industry even while she was on a break. In this way, she could keep up with the trends and decide on her next move.
Being a mother and wife, and still pursuing a career in a fast paced and demanding industry can be daunting but Zimba said she would not have it any other way.
1. The entertainment bug bit you at a young age and you later became the face of VEntertainment. You took on various acting roles, you were a dancer at some stage and you even pursued music. Things were going well for you. What led to you taking a break from the entertainment industry?
The nature of the industry can be very toxic, taxing and misleading at times, and from my own experience, I feel that one needs time to reflect and recharge when working in such an environment. I needed to break away and redirect my energy elsewhere where I could feel pure bliss again.
2. Support from those around you often makes career or life changes easier to go through. What did friends, mentors, family and peers make of this decision?
They say always leave on a high and leave a blueprint of your best self. Leave people with your great work, so they do not forget who you truly are.
It was fitting at the time, and I’m so grateful to have always had a grounded, and stable family base.
3. When people take breaks from the industry whether to attend to mental health challenges, starting a family or grieving, the industry can easily “forget” about them and move on to whoever is trending, is relevant and exciting at the time. Were you, at any point, afraid that the SA entertainment industry where you’ve thrived for so long, would forget about you?
Naturally so, yes. Out of sight, out of mind …
But God gave me something powerful and necessary, and I know my purpose, and it will be fulfilled. So no matter the challenges that come after being away for so long, I will prosper as the will of God sees fit.
4. Pursuing a life in another country can pose challenges such as culture shocks, simply not adjusting to the changes or even finding it difficult to find a job in the field of your interest. You started your own family in Germany. Was the plan to relocate for good, perhaps start a new career in Germany?
There was never a direct plan …
I believe in the unity and support of having a family, I’m a family person, and follow my heart when it comes to personal ventures. With the times we live in, and wanting the best for my child, it only made sense.
5. The entertainment industry in Germany is quite different to what we have in South Africa. How easy was it to pursue a career in Germany and at what point did you decide that you wanted to return to the entertainment industry in South Africa?
The industry is quite different, it helps to know the language, which I’m in the process of catching on, and surprisingly doing well.
I love discomfort and a challenge, it’s part of growth and awakening. Jumping into uncertainty isn’t always a bad thing, it extends your power!
6. Living in two countries and constantly having to show up for yourself, your daughter, your husband and family, your career and network can be quite tedious. How has your journey of motherhood and being a wife been? How do you maintain a balance between a life in SA and Germany?
I LOVE BEING A MOTHER! It’s hard work and exhausting, but there is no greater joy than a hug from your baby and an ‘I love you mama’ or ‘thank you mama’. My daughter has been my biggest life lesson, and constant teacher, it’s amazing!
And my husband is just the best! Supportive, encouraging, consistent, present, loving and extremely generous! I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to help me navigate it all!
Travel has always been my life, so it comes at no surprise at my constant back and forth. I love living in Germany because so many other countries are right at my doorstep so I experience so much more living there. And then coming home is always the best, family, food, cultures, weather, quality of life.
7. Your return to the industry has clearly been a steady ride having spent time with the new wave of artists, producers, genres etc. Your most recent single, THOBELA was produced by Profound. Who are some of the hottest new wave artists have you recently met and how did you meet Profound?
I met Profound through my management. Great producer with an eclectic range in production. We share the same energy and have personality so we clicked immediately!
It made the recording process just pure joy!
8. How did the song “THOBELA” come about and what is it about? How would you define your sound?
I was sent a collection of beats to choose from and play with at my home studio. Chose this specific one, wrote the hook and verse. Flew to Jhb to finish the song with Pro in studio, two evening sessions and we were done.
My sound, RnB Soul Pop.
9. Covid has been tough for everyone. A lot of people have had to adjust their lifestyles and way of living. How has COVID had an impact on you? What 3 things has this time taught you about yourself and life in general?
Patience
Discipline
And be kind to yourself
10. What are you up to and what else are you working on? What can people look forward to?
Working on my production company with a few partners and working on a cool App I’m excited to share with you before the year ends.
