ZimExcellence
Hosted by award-winning actor Vongai, this weekly podcast features exclusive, honest, and insightful conversations with Zimbabwean changemakers and trailblazers from around the world. Each episode celebrates Zimbabwean excellence, culture, and achievement, with a warm and festive atmosphere. The show highlights stories of Zimbabweans making an impact both at home and in the diaspora. It's a celebration of Zimbabwean success and identity.
Episodes
Bonus: RISE (2025) - Jessica J Rowlands Interview
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival! Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Si
Bonus: RISE (2025) - Tongayi Chirisa Interview
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival! Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Si
Bonus: RISE (2025) - Sikhanyiso Ngwenya Interview
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival! Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Si
Bonus: RISE (2025) - Joe Njagu Interview
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival! Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Si
Bonus: RISE (2025) - Jacques Naudé Interview
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival! Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Si
Bonus: RISE (2025) - Tobias Mupfuti Interview
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival! Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Si
Bonus: RISE (2025) - Audience Reactions
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival! Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Si
Bonus: RISE (2025) - Tribeca Premiere Recap
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. I had the absolute joy of attending the World Premiere of the short film RISE at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival! Inspired by the life of Tobias Mupfuti, RISE is written and directed by Jessica J Rowlands, executive produced by ZimExcellence fave Joe Njagu, and stars the ever-charismatic Tongayi Chirisa alongside breakout star Si
Vanessa Sanyauke: Taking Up Space (2022)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Founder & CEO of award-winning global organisation, Girls Talk London that develops products and services to connect businesses with female talent in 37+ countries through digital products and content, bespoke programmes & events. Their aim is to democratise access to opportunities and jobs in male dominated sectors and to empow
Chipo Kureya-Cullen: The Art of Being Human In The Diaspora (2022)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. The following episode was recorded on 14th May, 2022. _ _As an actor credits include Liberian Girl- Royal Court, Fingertips – Clean Break and played the title role of Rapunzel with tutti frutti. In 2014 she made her one-woman debut during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in So What if I Dance. Most notably Chipo Kureya was a part of the
Kingslee ZW: Comedy As Social Commentary (2022)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. The following episode was recorded on 1st April, 2022. _ _Kingsley Kaisi, better known by his stage name Kingslee ZW, is a Zimbabwean-born actor, scriptwriter, comedic skit maker, development practitioner and digital media consultant. Born 1st of February 1995, Kingsley’s parents grew up telling him African folktales that thereby spark
In Memoriam : Dr. Nyarai Paweni
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. The following episode was recorded on 22nd April, 2022. Rest in Peace Dr. Nyarai Paweni. _ _ Dr Nyarai was the founding director of Sage ReStorative Health, which is built on the tenets of naturopathic medicine. Her private practice focused on life-style/functional/holistic medicine in order to make a meaningful impact in the world and
2022 Life Updates + Where did I go?
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Happy 2022! Life Updates. Be back soon, love y'all.>> Official ZimExcellence Merch << https://www.redbubble.com/people/zimexcellence/explore Buy Me A Coffee : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vongaiofficialSend Me A Gift : https://www.giftapp.com/vongaiofficialWebsite: www.zimexcellence.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.c
Bonus : Thankful for You! + 2021 Finale
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Hannukah! Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy New Year and all the holidays. Much love listeners. Buy Me A Coffee : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vongaiofficialWebsite: www.zimexcellence.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimexcellencepodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vongaiofficial/Twitter: ht
Amanda & Rumbi : It's Layered (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. It's Layered is a podcast by Zimbabwean girls, Amanda & Rumbi, living on two different continents and keeping their long-distance friendship of over 20 years thriving! Join them as they delve deeper into life, love and all things under the sun because in life... zvine malayers!!The following episode was recorded on 9/4/21 (Happ
Amanda & Rumbi : It's Layered (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. It's Layered is a podcast by Zimbabwean girls, Amanda & Rumbi, living on two different continents and keeping their long-distance friendship of over 20 years thriving! Join them as they delve deeper into life, love and all things under the sun because in life... zvine malayers!!The following episode was recorded on 9/4/21 (Happ
Trudy Maposa : Homemaking in the Diaspora
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Trudy is a wife and mother of three who loves all things family. With a background in radio and TV broadcasting and over 15 years of being a communications professional in the corporate world, she has a natural gift of being able to connect with people. Especially women from all walks of life and engaging them in simple but deep conver
Esnath Moyo : Skincare as Selfcare (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Esnath Moyo is a diagnostic radiographer and mother turned CEO and Founder of Netsai Beauty. As featured in British Vogue, Netsai Beauty is a brand that believes skincare has the power to change lives, by increasing confidence that reflects in everyday life. Their products include their Zero flaws antioxidant mask which is formulated wi
Esnath Moyo : Skincare as Selfcare (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Esnath Moyo is a diagnostic radiographer and mother turned CEO and Founder of Netsai Beauty. As featured in British Vogue, Netsai Beauty is a brand that believes skincare has the power to change lives, by increasing confidence that reflects in everyday life. Their products include their Zero flaws antioxidant mask which is formulated wi
Ryan Koriya : Dispelling African Stereotypes (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Ryan Koriya is an artist who wears many many hats. He is a musician and composer born in Harare and now based in Ibiza, Spain where he is developing various music projects under his own record label Runway Vertical Records. He is also business marketing and branding consultant, who helps creatives and entrepreneurs around the world succ
Ryan Koriya : Dispelling African Stereotypes (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Ryan Koriya is an artist who wears many many hats. He is a musician and composer born in Harare and now based in Ibiza, Spain where he is developing various music projects under his own record label Runway Vertical Records. He is also business marketing and branding consultant, who helps creatives and entrepreneurs around the world succ
Joe Njagu : Leap Of Faith (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Joe Njagu is a Zimbabwean filmmaker who directed his debut feature film Lobola in 2010, which paved the way for a new chapter of independent film-making in Zimbabwe. His next feature film, The Gentleman, won him Best Foreign Language Director at the America International Film Festival and Best Film at the NAMA awards in 2012. He has dir
Joe Njagu : Leap Of Faith (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Joe Njagu is a Zimbabwean filmmaker who directed his debut feature film Lobola in 2010, which paved the way for a new chapter of independent film-making in Zimbabwe. His next feature film, The Gentleman, won him Best Foreign Language Director at the America International Film Festival and Best Film at the NAMA awards in 2012. He has dir
Dr. Praise Matemavi : Passion & Purpose (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. PART 2. CONTENT WARNING : The following part of this episode features an adult conversation about teenage pregnancy, surviving domestic violence and the #MeToo movement which may be triggering to some audiences. Listener discretion is advised. To avoid this section please skip to [17:31] where we talk about the Rose Gift Foundation
Dr. Praise Matemavi : Passion & Purpose (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Dr. Praise Matemavi is a Zimbabwean born abdominal transplant surgeon and assistant professor of surgery. She is the award-winning author of Passion and Purpose: Black Female Surgeons. She is the 2020 recipient of the Lake Michigan College alumni achievement award as well as the Michigan State University young alumni award. She is a fol
Sharon Marongere : Embracing African Haircare (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. PART 2. LISTEN TO PART 1 FIRSTA pioneer in beauty, Sharon couldn't find 100% natural products that were up to her impeccable standards of efficacy, quality, and purity. So she started Mauyu Haircare to make them - for herself, and for women like her who refuse to sacrifice health for beauty using natural and organic ingredients (s
Sharon Marongere : Embracing African Haircare (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. A pioneer in beauty, Sharon couldn't find 100% natural products that were up to her impeccable standards of efficacy, quality, and purity. So she started Mauyu Haircare to make them - for herself, and for women like her who refuse to sacrifice health for beauty using natural and organic ingredients (some of which are sourced from h
Zinyusile Khumbula : Taco Africana (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. PART 2. LISTEN TO PART 1 FIRSTZinyusile Khumbula (Zi) was born in Zimbabwe and spent some of his childhood in South Africa. He moved to the United States in September 2009 and been a resident of Harlem since 2014 where he has launched New York’s First Pop Up African Taqueria, Taco Africana. Zi’s daily inspiration is the mission of shar
Zinyusile Khumbula : Taco Africana (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Zinyusile Khumbula (Zi) was born in Zimbabwe and spent some of his childhood in South Africa. He moved to the United States in September 2009 and been a resident of Harlem since 2014 where he has launched New York’s First Pop Up African Taqueria, Taco Africana. Zi’s daily inspiration is the mission of sharing Ubuntu (humanity to others)
Munya Chanetsa : Your Favourite M.O.T.I (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. PART 2. LISTEN TO PART 1 FIRSTMunyaradzi (Munya) Chanetsa has dedicated his professional life to the business of music and entertainment. He is currently employed as A&R Manager: Africa for Sony ATV Music Publishing South Africa. With over 10 years experience in the music and entertainment space in the sourcing, licensing, curation
Munya Chanetsa : Your Favourite M.O.T.I (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Munyaradzi (Munya) Chanetsa has dedicated his professional life to the business of music and entertainment. He is currently employed as A&R Manager: Africa for Sony ATV Music Publishing South Africa. With over 10 years experience in the music and entertainment space in the sourcing, licensing, curation, creation, monetization and di
Bonus : Tokyo 2020 Paralympians
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Congratulations, Makorokoto, Amhlope Team Zimbabwe : Pamela Vimbai Shumba Vimbai Zvinowanda (https://www.facebook.com/vimbaishyie.zvinowandazecks) Website: www.zimexcellence.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimexcellencepodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vongaiofficial/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vongaiofficialActions
Bonus : Hiatus
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Taking a break. Be back soon.Buy Me A Coffee : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vongaiofficialWebsite: www.zimexcellence.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimexcellencepodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vongaiofficial/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vongaiofficialActions to take Episode Transcript availableInterested in being f
Gideon Jeph Wabvuta : Reframing Africa's Narrative (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Gideon Jeph Wabvuta is a Zimbabwean writer, solo actor and teaching artist based in Los Angeles. He is a 2019 graduate of the University of Southern California MFA Dramatic Writing program. His work as a writer includes Family Riots, Master’s Shoe, and his solo show Mbare Dreams amongst others. He has taught writing in the US, UK, South
Gideon Jeph Wabvuta : Reframing Africa's Narrative (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Gideon Jeph Wabvuta is a Zimbabwean writer, solo actor and teaching artist based in Los Angeles. He is a 2019 graduate of the University of Southern California MFA Dramatic Writing program. His work as a writer includes Family Riots, Master’s Shoe, and his solo show Mbare Dreams amongst others. He has taught writing in the US, UK, South
Nyasha Matanda : Zimbabwean Renaissance (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. PART 2. LISTEN TO PART 1 FIRSTToday Vongai sits down with Nyasha Matanda, a creative at the core with different talents and gifts. Nyasha, founded a skincare company that formulates products that are safe for babies with eczema and dry skin conditions. She is also a dancer and member of the ZimThrive Initiative as well as a mentor unde
Nyasha Matanda : Zimbabwean Renaissance (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Today Vongai sits down with Nyasha Matanda, a creative at the core with different talents and gifts. Nyasha, founded a skincare company that formulates products that are safe for babies with eczema and dry skin conditions. She is also a dancer and member of the ZimThrive Initiative as well as a mentor undergoing leadership training. An
Bonus : Tokyo 2020 Olympians
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Congratulations, Makorokoto, Amhlope Team Zimbabwe : Donata Katai (@d.o_nata) Ngoni Makusha (@ngonimakusha)Peter Purcell-Gilpin (@peter_purcell_gilpin) Scott Vincent (@scottivino) Peter Wetzlar (@peterwetzlar97) Website: www.zimexcellence.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimexcellencepodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.c
Sibongile Mlambo : Talent Beyond Borders (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. PART 2. LISTEN TO PART 1 FIRSTSibongile Mlambo is a Zimbabwean actress based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Sibongile’s passion for the arts was ignited after being cast in the Jury Prize winning international feature, Kini & Adams. She went on to feature in local commercials and expanded into dancing and modeling, ev
Sibongile Mlambo : Talent Beyond Borders (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Sibongile Mlambo is a Zimbabwean actress based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Sibongile’s passion for the arts was ignited after being cast in the Jury Prize winning international feature, Kini & Adams. She went on to feature in local commercials and expanded into dancing and modeling, eventually becoming the face of o
Vivien Killilea Best : Taking Inspired Action
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Vivien Killilea Best is a photographer with over 13 years of experience photographing celebrities, actors and athletes for household brands.Website: www.vivienphotography.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/vivienkillileaPodcast Resources mentioned: Jenna Kutcher’s, Goal Digger podcast Business of Photography
Yeve C. Sibanda : Cultural Identity and Language
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Yeve is a Zimbabwean native who now calls the US home. She is a wife, mom, attorney, public speaker, and author. She is the founder of Philisa Creatives, a media company, that celebrates and amplifies African heritage. Philisa which means “to bring to life” in Ndebele creates innovative products to enhance multicultural learning. Her de
Tonderai Chavhanga : Seizing Opportunity (2)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. PART 2. LISTEN TO PART 1 FIRSTTonderai Chavhanga is a Zimbabwean rugby player and businessman based in Cape Town. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Tonderai’s passion for sports was ignited at a very young age. In fact he was granted a scholarship to play for the Prince Edward Tigers and was the youngest person to play for the team. His tal
Tonderai Chavhanga : Seizing Opportunity (1)
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Tonderai Chavhanga is a Zimbabwean rugby player and businessman based in Cape Town. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Tonderai’s passion for sports was ignited at a very young age. In fact he was granted a scholarship to play for the Prince Edward Tigers and was the youngest person to play for the team. His talents led him to playing for Sou
Christine Mapondera-Talley : African Storytelling
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Christine Mapondera-Talley is a wife, mom, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Global Kidz House where she publishes children's books and a magazine, elevating and celebrating the diversity of Africa and the African diaspora. Centering stories full of humor, drama and inspiration.Website: www.globalkidzhouse.comFacebook: Global
Vongai : We Are ZimExcellence
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Vongai is an award-winning actor, singer and writer based in New York for the last 6 years. She has worked in theatre, film, television and voiceovers. Before life in the Big Apple she was born in Zimbabwe, raised in the United Kingdom and China. She has a B.A in Film and Television Studies from Brunel University and classically trained
Trailer : Introducing ZimExcellence
📲 We love hearing from our amazing listeners! Send us a text. Join award-winning actor, Vongai each week as she brings you exclusive, honest and insightful conversations from Zimbabwean changemakers and trailblazers across the diaspora. Grab your plate of sadza and a cold drink cos it's a celebration! #zimexcellence Instagram : @zimexcellencepodcastSupport the show>> Support the show&
