Budding music star and Generations: The Legacy actor Zazi Kunene wants to set the record straight about her relationship with veteran actor Vusi Kunene, best known for his role as Jack Mabaso. Contrary to popular belief, Zazi, 25, says that Vusi is not her biological father, but rather an “industry dad” who has been a supportive mentor since she joined the soap opera.
In a candid interview with SMag, Zazi expressed her surprise at how a simple industry connection had sparked rumours of a family tie. “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 made her debut on the popular soap opera last month, playing Alice, a woman seeking shelter after being displaced. She said the rumors about her and Vusi began after her appearance on Smoke & Mirrors in 2022, a show that gave her significant exposure. “The show gave me so much exposure and that came with a lot of fake Facebook accounts in my name. The first post I saw was of me and Nhlanhla Kunene [from Showmax’s Adulting] saying that we’re related, but in reality, he’s just an industry friend,” she explained.
The rumour mill intensified when images of her with Vusi Kunene circulated online. “Then came one of me and Bab’Vusi. I was at a loss for words not knowing how I was going to tell the world that he wasn’t my real dad,” she added. Zazi said that while she often tries to correct fans, many continue to believe the fabricated story. “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.”
Despite the confusion, Zazi appreciates the support Vusi has offered her, describing him as a father figure in the industry who helps create a warm, welcoming atmosphere on set.
