Zander Adika: From AFDA Training to Lazizi’s Most Demanding Role Yet
By Editorial Team
Meet Zander Adika, a performer whose presence lingers long after the scene fades. Trained at South Africa’s prestigious AFDA film program, Adika is more than an actor. He sings, dances, and carries a magnetic energy that turns every performance into a moment of quiet mastery.
Over the years, his talent has taken him across borders and onto some of the world’s biggest sets. His credits include Viola Davis’ The Woman King, Apple TV’s Invasion, MTV Shuga Down South, and Sky Girls: Born to Fly. Now, he steps into a new chapter, starring in Reuben Odanga’s telenovela Lazizi on Maisha Magic Plus, alongside seasoned actors Mwaniki Magerian and Helen Keli.
In an exclusive interview, Adika opens up about his journey, the discipline behind his craft, and the challenges that pushed him to grow in his most demanding role yet.
Adika traces much of his confidence and technical skill back to AFDA, describing the training as one of the most defining experiences of his career. Fresh out of university, he quickly realised how valuable the program was in preparing him for the realities of the industry.
According to him, the lecturers were not just educators but active industry practitioners who took time to ground students in both theatre and screen acting. Learning under some of South Africa’s finest filmmakers, including renowned director Jody Abrams of Safe House, gave him a solid foundation that still shapes his work today.
One of the biggest lessons he took away was mastering the technical discipline of acting for camera. He learned how to perform with multiple cameras rolling at once, how to tone performances down for screen, and when to elevate them for theatre. That distinction, he says, completely changed how he approaches every role.
Beyond technique, AFDA trained him to deeply understand storytelling. Scenes were broken down to study character motivation, reactions, and emotional shifts. He vividly recalls analysing a Netflix series scene, focusing on subtle movements, pauses, and body language. Those small, almost invisible choices, he notes, are what make performances believable.
That grounding proved invaluable when he landed roles in major American productions such as The Woman King and Invasion. Working on those projects while based in Cape Town marked a major turning point in his career.
He describes the experience as both intimidating and empowering. Everything was larger in scale—from the sets to the shots—and the sense of world-class production was immediate. More importantly, watching Hollywood professionals operate at the highest level reassured him that excellence is achievable and that he belonged in that space.
Despite the long hours and demanding environments, Adika says the experience was deeply fulfilling. The productions pushed him creatively and played a significant role in shaping his confidence as an actor.
That growth is now evident in his role as Richard in Lazizi, a character who challenged him in unexpected ways. Preparing for the role, Adika admits, was no small task.
Richard exists in the corporate world, a space Adika had little personal experience with. One of the biggest hurdles was mastering business language and terminology. Concepts like Q3 reports, operational budgets, and annexes initially felt like tongue twisters. Understanding and delivering those lines convincingly required extra effort and research.
To fully step into character, Adika relies heavily on process. Once the director blocks the scene and rehearsals begin, costume and makeup become a crucial turning point for him. Putting on the costume helps him physically and mentally shift into character.
Running lines with his scene partner and understanding movement through blocking allows him to shape the rhythm and intention of each scene. He credits strong directors for guiding him through this preparation, helping him refine both performance and presence.
When it comes to the kinds of roles he is drawn to, Adika gravitates toward intelligent, witty characters. He enjoys roles that solve problems through intellect and charm. Action-oriented characters also excite him, and he admits an action film is high on his wish list.
Ultimately, he says he loves characters that leave audiences feeling smarter or inspired by the end of the story. Sports films, in particular, remain some of his favourites for that reason.
Away from acting, Adika’s love for music and dance continues to shape his performances. Kenyan pop and hip hop top his playlist, though he also enjoys R&B and mainstream pop. For him, it is all about the energy and emotion the music carries.
He explains that music teaches timing and emotional control, while dance helps him connect with movement and physical expression. That combination, he says, translates naturally into more dynamic and believable performances on screen.
Working under director Reuben Odanga on Lazizi has further sharpened his artistry. Although it is only his third television production, it is his first telenovela, and the experience has been transformative.
With a large cast, a massive crew, and constantly evolving storylines, Adika quickly learned that acting is not just about individual performance. It is about collaboration, discipline, and understanding how every department contributes to the final story.
As Lazizi continues to captivate audiences, Zander Adika’s journey stands as a testament to preparation, persistence, and the quiet power of believing you belong—no matter how big the stage.
