Zozibini Tunzi, better known as Zozi, is turning heads and raising eyebrows in her latest role as the fierce Naomi in Bad Influencer. Zozi Tunzi’s villain role in Bad Influencer has taken South Africa by storm, showcasing a surprising side of the former Miss Universe that fans didn’t see coming.
From Miss Universe to Mastering the Art of Villainy
Zozi, who won the Miss Universe crown in 2019, has steadily built a career beyond the pageant world. She has hosted major events, advocated for women’s rights, and worked with major brands. But now, it’s her leap into acting — and particularly her spicy role as Naomi — that has caught everyone’s attention.
In Bad Influencer, a gripping Netflix series centred on the shady world of counterfeit luxury handbags, Zozi plays Naomi — a cold, calculating character who’s miles away from the graceful queen we remember.
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Fans React to Zozi’s Mean Girl Energy
Mzansi couldn’t get enough of her performance — for better or worse. Social media exploded over the weekend, with viewers expressing shock, delight, and playful outrage.
@_sakyle tweeted: “4 episodes in and Naomi 😩 @zozitunzi girl you’re mean 😂”
@vigilanceblues added: “Naomi aka Zozibini Tunzi-Bolowana… annoying in a good way… she went all in for her debut.”
While fans were impressed by her bold transformation, many joked about how too good she was in her new role. “It felt like she wasn’t even acting,” wrote @alekmay_.
Breaking Stereotypes with a Bold Performance
For Zozi, the role of Naomi is more than just another acting job. It’s a statement, a challenge to stereotypes about beauty queens. Her performance proves that she’s not just a pretty face but a serious talent in the entertainment world.
She first appeared on screen in The Woman King, but Bad Influencer gave her a more complex and commanding role. Playing a character that viewers “love to hate” isn’t easy but Zozi makes it look effortless.
Chemistry That Kept Viewers Glued
Zozi’s on-screen dynamic with co-star Gorata also earned praise. One viewer tweeted, “Loved her and Gorata,” highlighting the electric chemistry that helped elevate the storyline.
Whether plotting a scheme or trading sharp lines, Naomi’s scenes had viewers captivated. It’s this believability that had fans confessing they almost punched their screens.
A Villain with Style (and a Side of Hair Drama)
While most fans focused on Zozi’s strong acting, some couldn’t help but comment on her hairstyle. Her character’s frontal ponytail sparked some light-hearted criticism.
@CebileVictoria asked: “What is going on with this hair on my Miss Universe?”
@jux_Bella joked: “Even Tyler Perry won’t approve of this hair.”
Even the wig couldn’t distract from Zozi’s powerful performance, though. If anything, it added to the social media buzz and the sense that this was a role worth talking about.
Zozi’s Star Continues to Rise
Since her crowning moment in 2019, Zozibini Tunzi has redefined what a beauty queen can become. She’s hosted pageants, advocated for inclusion, partnered with major brands like Dark & Lovely, and now — she’s conquering the screen.
Her bold shift from pageantry to performing arts has inspired many, showing that with hard work and vision, it’s possible to reinvent yourself.
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Why Zozi Tunzi’s Villain Role in Bad Influencer Matters
This role is a major step in her post-pageant career. It cements her as a multi-talented force, able to balance beauty, intelligence, and emotional depth. More importantly, it’s clear that South Africans want to see more of her in bold, complex roles.
As fans continue to binge-watch the Netflix series, the praise and memes just keep rolling in.
What’s Next for Zozi?
With the success of Bad Influencer, it’s likely we’ll see more of Zozi on our screens. Whether as a villain or a hero, one thing’s clear she’s got the talent to take on any role.
