Meet Zander Adika, a performer whose talent stretches far beyond acting. Trained at South Africa’s prestigious AFDA film program, Zander is a triple threat: he sings, dances, and commands the screen with magnetic energy that transforms every role into a masterclass.
His credits already shine with global productions: The Woman King alongside Viola Davis, Apple TV’s Invasion, MTV’s Shuga Down South, and Sky Girls: Born to Fly. Now, he takes center stage in Reuben Odanga’s telenovela Lazizi on Maisha Magic Plus, sharing the spotlight with veterans Mwaniki Magerian and Helen Keli.
In this exclusive, Zander opens up about fame, fear, and the fire behind his most challenging role yet.
Training at AFDA: Building a Foundation
You studied at AFDA. How did it prepare you for the industry?
“Honestly, it was one of the most defining experiences of my career. Straight out of university, I realized how valuable that training was. The lecturers weren’t just teachers they were industry practitioners who grounded us in both theatre and screen acting. I had the privilege of learning under some of South Africa’s finest filmmakers, including the renowned Jody Abrams (Safe House).
One of the biggest lessons was mastering the technical discipline of acting for camera. I learned how to perform with three cameras trained on me at once, when to dial performances down for screen, and when to elevate them for theatre. That distinction changed how I approach every role.
What stood out most was how we studied storytelling. We broke down characters, reactions, and motivations. I vividly remember analyzing a Netflix scene, focusing on subtle movements, pauses, and body language. Those small, almost invisible choices make performances believable—and they continue to shape how I build characters today.”
Breaking into Hollywood
You’ve appeared in American productions like The Woman King and Invasion. What was that experience like?
“Landing those roles was a turning point. Working in Cape Town, suddenly I was on sets where everything was bigger—the shots, the scale, the setups. You could feel the weight of world-class production the moment you stepped on set.
What empowered me most was seeing Hollywood professionals operate at the highest level. It reassured me that excellence is achievable—and that I belonged in that space.
Despite the long days and tough environments, it was exciting, motivating, and deeply fulfilling. Those productions pushed me, inspired me, and shaped my journey as an actor.”
The Challenge of Playing Richard
Preparing for Richard in Lazizi, what was your biggest challenge?
“Richard lives in the corporate world, which was unfamiliar territory for me. The toughest part was mastering business terminology—things like Q3 reports, annexes, operational budgets. To me, they sounded like tongue twisters. But learning that language was essential to making the character authentic.”
Getting Into Character
How do you typically prepare before a scene?
“The director blocks the scene, we rehearse for the technical team, then it’s costume and makeup. For me, putting on the costume is key—it helps me step into the character’s skin. Running lines with my scene partner and working through the blocking makes everything click. With great directors guiding me, the process becomes seamless.”
Characters That Inspire
What kind of roles draw you most?
“I love intelligent, witty characters—those who solve problems with charm and cleverness. I’m also drawn to action roles and hope to do an action movie soon. Sports films inspire me too; they leave you feeling smarter, stronger, or more motivated by the end.”
Music, Dance, and Performance
Outside of acting, you sing and dance. How do these passions influence your craft?
“Music is everything. I vibe with Kenyan pop and hip hop, but also R&B and mainstream pop. It’s about the energy and emotion it evokes. Music teaches timing and expression, while dance connects me to my body and movement. When you move naturally and feel the rhythm, it translates into more dynamic, believable performances on screen.”
Working with Reuben Odanga
How has Lazizi shaped you as an artist?
“This is only my third TV show, but my first telenovela—and it’s been a game-changer. With a huge cast, massive crew, and constantly evolving storylines, you quickly realize acting isn’t just about your performance. It’s about collaboration. Lazizi taught me that thriving on set means working seamlessly with everyone around you.”
