Who
is MsZambia?
I
was born in Luanshya and lived in Ndola until I was two. My parents and
I moved to Canada and have been here ever since. I live in British
Columbia, my dad is a forester and BC has beautiful forests so it was an
ideal place for him to move. My mom is Caucasian and her family all
live in BC.
On
Work and Profession
I
work professionally as an actor and model, and my dream is to one
day use my influence and $$$ to help the people of Zambia.
On
Being Zambian
Obviously,
you are proud of who you are otherwise you wouldn't have associated
yourself with the Zambian community and maintained the contact even
after receiving both a favorable and also a very questioning response.
As
a Zambian who left the country at 2 and has never been away, what does it
mean to be Zambian? How is it that you can still be identified as a
Zambian?
The
way I see it, you take a fish out of water and it is still a fish.
Although
I am Canadian by citizenship, I am Zambian by blood. Blood is thicker
than citizenship.
To
me being a Zambian is about strength, ambition and the quest for a good
time. I work hard, I dream hard and I love to dance, sing, eat and play.
All
these ethics I learned from my thoroughly Zambian father.
On
Goals
How
far are you in your path to become a world famous actor?
I
have done about 16 TV commercials in the last 2 years. I am at the point
where commercial casting agents ask for me by name. In the 2 years, I
have developed my confidence in front of the camera. In the last year I
have decided to try more challenging acting.
I
was involved in theatre as a teenager. I take private acting classes. I
have had some BIG auditions in the last year (I'm not at liberty to
discuss which projects). I haven't landed any big roles yet, but it is
an accomplishment just to get into see certain casting directors. I will
keep you updated for when I get my big break.
If
I can achieve this, by the grace of God, I pledge to use my wealth and
influence to help the Zambian people. A lot of North Americans don't
even know where Zambia is.
They
don't know how serious the Aids problem is there, they don't know about
the orphans. If I am famous I can use my voice to educate. Even if
I do not reach the status of famous actor, I will help in
whatever
way my resources allow. The next few years will be tough, as I push my
way up the Hollywood ladder.
However,
I have an important reason to climb... Zambia.
Who
is your favorite actor?
My
favorite actor is the great Sidney Poitier!
You
obviously have a passion for Zambia and you wish to make a difference
there; do you have any projects that you have identified yourself with
that are
based in Zambia?
I
am looking for a good cause to become involved with. I am weary of
getting involved in any projects when I can't see first hand where the
$$$ is going. Unfortunately, this world is full of corruption.
I
would also like to visit with AIDS relief workers when I am there. Once
I find an organization to team up with I plan on using my influence as
an actress and spokes model to raise money.
If
anyone knows of any worthy organizations that they want to recommend I
will be there.
On
the home front, I have worked with a few local AIDS organizations to
raise money through fundraising.
How
do you plan to educate others about our nation?
I
plan to most of my education through interviews (i.e. magazines, talk
shows, etc). This is all presuming I gain some sort of momentum in my
career.
Failing
that, I hope to organize charity events (parties, plays, concerts) with
speakers who can dynamically discuss the issues at hand.
I
don't profess to be an expert, but I do want to help the experts get
their message out there.
You
have shown concern about HIV/AIDS what do you think should be done
differently in our fight against the epidemic?
I
think Sex Education is key. Prevention is really all we have in this
battle right now.
The
taboos, misconceptions and half truths need to be clarified.
People
need to know that raping virgins is not a cure.
In
the Western world, more money needs to be put into the independent
research projects. I fear that a lot of bureaucracy and politics are
standing in the way of progress.
On
Advise
A
lot of young girls wish to be supermodels, singers and actors; what
advise
do you have for them?
Be
realistic about your strengths and weaknesses. I gave up the
"supermodel" dream long ago because I am not tall or thin
enough to model high fashion. That doesn't mean I can't model. I just
have to focus on a different market (commercial). Knowing your market is
key.
Another
important thing, you have to work for it. Don't expect things to be
handed to you on a platter. Very few people are "discovered".
Most people have to work hard, it is a job.
Most
importantly, don't let the criticism of others get you down. Some people
will invariably try to bring you down. Ignore them and be true to
yourself.
Describe
yourself in one word?
Eclectic!
What
tickles your fancy?
Chocolate
Hot
Topic
Our
topic of the month is Interracial relationships, do you think there is
anything wrong with interracial relationships and why?
Well,
I'm the product of an interracial relationship (my mother is Caucasian),
so obviously I have no problem with it.
I
really believe that people are people. That said, I tend to date within
my race (black or mixed).
The
only time interracial relationships concern me is when stereotypes are
involved. If a man dates a particular race because he thinks they will
be submissive, or a woman because she is looking for a big
"member"; that is wrong.
Where
do you see yourself five years from today?
5
years form today, I see myself working hard in Hollywood. Hopefully I
will be starting a family.
Here
is some extra info about me
Bemba
(I don't speak, but I want to learn)
Actor/Model
Almost
23 years old
Last
name Lukuku, no stalkers please,
Fan
of underground hip hop
Nshima
lover (mmmm, peanut butter chicken and nshima is the best)
I
love to dance
I
love living in Vancouver
I
wear my hair natural, and it is crazy
Very
fashion forward, but not into labels
Silly
Open
minded
Good
luck