Zozibini Tunzi Makes Acting Debut in Netflix’s Bad Influencer

Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi is stepping into a brand-new chapter of her career. The beauty queen, who stole the world’s heart when she was crowned Miss Universe in 2019, is now making her professional acting debut in Netflix’s upcoming series Bad Influencer. The show, produced by Gambit Films, will premiere on October 31, 2025.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zozibini Tunzi (@zozitunzi)

Zozibini, now known as Zozibini Tunzi-Bolowana, shared her excitement on Instagram about her role, writing:

“The cat’s out the bag! Meet Naomi, on the new series, Bad Influencer coming to Netflix on 31 October. Chile, her smirk already has me stressed. I’m so proud of my first series role. The show is incredible, the cast is impeccable! You’re gonna love it all. I hope you’re sat!”

Her announcement had fans and celebrities buzzing with excitement. TV personality K Naomi congratulated her with the words, “Almost had a heart attack, congratulations mama… can’t wait to see you on screen!” Meanwhile, radio presenter Zanele Potelwa shared her joy, saying, “OH MY GOODNESS!!! I’m soooo excited.”

The star-studded cast of Bad Influencer includes Jo-Anne Reyneke, Cindy Mahlangu, Thapelo Mokoena, Hamilton Dlamini, Aubrey Poo, Julia Anastasopoulos, Emmanuel Castis, and newlywed Lerato Nxumalo, among many others.

The series follows the story of BK, a small-time con artist and single mother, played by Jo-Anne Reyneke. She teams up with Pinky (Cindy Mahlangu), an aspiring influencer, to sell fake luxury handbags online. But what begins as a hustle quickly spirals into danger when their scheme attracts both a ruthless crime boss and the police. Viewers will be taken on a thrilling ride as the two women are forced to outsmart everyone in order to survive.

Netflix describes the series as a story set in a city obsessed with appearances, where two women juggle a dangerous double life, one lived online and the other deep in the criminal underworld.

With a powerful storyline and an impressive lineup of local talent, Bad Influencer is already one of the most anticipated South African Netflix releases of the year. And for Zozibini Tunzi, this marks the exciting beginning of a new journey—one that sees her transform from beauty queen to actress.

On October 31, the world will get to see if Miss Universe can also conquer the screen.