Vimbai Mutinhiri

Vimbai Mutinhiri- Ekpenyong
Vimbai, Osas and IK hosting the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in Lagos
Born18 February 1987 (1987-02-18) (age 37)
Harare, Zimbabwe
Alma materUniversity of Cape Town
Occupation(s)TV Presenter, Model and Actress
Parents

Vimbai Mutinhiri (born 18 February 1987) is a Zimbabwean actress, model and television personality. She was born in Harare, Zimbabwe but raised in Belgrade, Serbia and in Johannesburg, South Africa. Prior to participating in Big Brother Africa Amplified in 2011, she studied in South Africa graduating from the University of Cape Town with an honours degree in politics, philosophy and economics.

Background

Vimbai is the youngest of four children of Ambrose Mutinhiri and Tracy Mutinhiri, both of whom are Zimbabwean cabinet ministers.[1][2]

She attended at St Edward's School, Oxford and Arundel School in Harare,[3][4] graduating in 2000 and 2002 respectively. She then studied Social Sciences at the University of Cape Town, graduating in 2008 with a bachelor's degree.

Career

Vimbai started her career at the age of 15 years as an actress in Zimbabwe, in a short film titled “Who’s In Charge”, which featured at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival.[citation needed] She had a lead role in Zimbabwe's first soap opera titled “Studio 263”. While studying at the University of Cape Town, she continued modelling[citation needed].

In 2011, Vimbai took part in Big Brother Africa season 6 (Amplified).

She hosted various major African events, including the first Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards broadcast[5] live to 54 countries from Lagos, Nigeria.

Currently the Face of Castle Milk Stout (Cameroon)[citation needed], she has also been on the runway at the SA Fashion Week[citation needed] and the Zimbabwe Fashion Week[citation needed].

Big Brother Amplified

Vimbai was the 16th housemate to be evicted, on Day 84.

Title Type Date Role Description
Big Brother Africa Amplified Reality TV series 2011 Herself Finished 9th out of 26

Star Gist

After Big Brother, she was chosen as the new presenter for the entertainment and lifestyle show, “Star Gist” on Africa Magic Entertainment. Vimbai co-hosts the show, which is broadcast across Africa, with 22-year-old South African, Lawrence Maleka.[6]

Personal life

In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Vimbai married Andrew Ekpenyong in Calabar, Nigeria.[7]

Style

In an interview with Nigerian daily, Punch [8] she said "I love structured, well-fitting dresses. Also, well-tailored clothing. I have always loved colours especially on dark skin."

References

  1. ^ "Mother denies Vimbai has identity crisis — Nehanda Radio". Nehandaradio.com. 2011-05-09. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
  2. ^ "The Zimbabwe Situation". The Zimbabwe Situation. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
  3. ^ "News - Why I Love Nigerian Men – Ex-BBA Star, Vimbai Mutinhiri". News.naij.com. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
  4. ^ "5 Minutes with Vimbai Mutinhiri | Divas Inc. Magazine". Divasinc.co.za. 2013-02-05. Archived from the original on 2013-07-26. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
  5. ^ "Vimbai makes history as she co-hosts 'African Oscars' — Nehanda Radio". Nehandaradio.com. 2013-03-03. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
  6. ^ "Star Gist | Africa Magic". Africamagic.dstv.com. Retrieved 2013-07-22.
  7. ^ "Vimbai Mutinhiri & her Beau Dru Ekpenyong are MARRIED! #ForeverYong". Bella Naija. May 8, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  8. ^ "Style is not about trends —Vimbai Mutinhiri — The Punch - Nigeria's Most Widely Read Newspaper". Punchng.com. 2013-06-02. Retrieved 2013-07-22.