As we celebrate International Women's Day, we would like to acknowledge and be inspired by the women who are part of Channel Zambezi Magic DStv Channel 162 and GOtv Supa Channel 5.

Many of our shows feature brilliant and talented women from across the region and the latest drama on the channel, Ifipempula, boasts a diverse cast of powerful women.

Read on to find out some interesting facts you might not know about Ifipempula's Tamika, Sharon, Norah and Aunty B, and their inspirational words to all the women out there!

ZODWA PERPETUAL KHUMALO as TAMIKA

We have seen her beautiful face on screen in various roles. However, apart from acting, Zodwa Perpetual Khumalo is also a hairdresser and beautician. She runs a hair salon.

She studied cinematography at INTEC College in South Africa. Her acting career began in 1999. She started with radio drama, stage and then film.

The beautiful actress has appeared in a number of local productions. To name a few, Kwacha, Mufaya, Piyo, Chenda and many more.

She can currently be seen in Zuba as Sandra, Ten Tamanga Street as Diana and Ifipempula as Tamika, a struggling lawyer and alcoholic.

Ms Khumalo is inspired by women who are resilient, focused, hardworking and goal-oriented.

Her International Women's Day advice to every woman out there is to take up the mantle in setting good examples to the young ones.

“Believe in yourself and stand on your own two feet.”

HELLENA MIZZINGA KAUMBA as SHARON

The beautiful actress was born on 25 December 1997. Hellena fell in love with the craft of art when she joined the school drama group in 2013. In 2015, her final year at high school, she was awarded the best actress prize at the NATAAZ national festivals.

The actress continued her acting career on stage and in 2016, she won the best actress award at the national level.

In 2017, she appeared in Wycliff Mwamba productions, Payback and City on Fire for Zambezi magic. 

In addition to the arts, the actress studied journalism and public relations, graduating with a diploma.

Hellena's acting career blossomed when she landed the role of Chola in Mpali, Hambe Nguzu's ride-or-die wife, the show currently running on Zambezi Magic. She is also currently starring in Ifipempula, a drama series where she plays the role of Sharon.

Her International Women's Day advice to the Queens is to know that they are enough, they should know that whatever is thrown at them, they can handle.

“Trust in yourself and never lose sight of who you are.”

CHEMBO LIANDISHA MORELLI as NORAH

Chembo Liandisha Morelli aka Chembomusic is a Zambian-born, UK-raised, multi-disciplinary artist working in music, film and performance.

She holds a first class honours degree in Performing Arts from the University of South Wales, UK. An experienced performer and actor with work in the UK and Africa ranging from commercials, short films and television.

This beautiful actress' CV is extensive and includes international brands such as Airtel, MTN, BBC, ITV Wales as well as TV shows such as Zambezi Magic's Zuba (Season 1) where she played the role of Suwi.

As a musician, she has performed at many international music festivals such as Focus Wales, Hub Fest, ZamFest, lake of stars etc. and has had her music listed by the BBC. In 2019, Chembomusic received funding from the BBC for music production and was shortlisted by Mr Eazi's Empawa project as one of 100 promising young Africans in music.

She currently plays Norah, one of the main characters in Zambezi Magic's Ifipempula season one.

Her women's day advice is to stay strong and focus on the goal.

“Even the sky is not the limit.”

MUKOSA CHIKOPA DEKA as AUNT B

Apart from acting, Mukosa has a passion for farming and owns a goat farm.

She studied Travel and Tourism at Westklin College, graduating in 1998.

Mukosa discovered her talent in primary school and has since worked hard to improve her craft. She became a member of the Tagwamo Theatre Club.

The beautiful actress has appeared in productions such as Mungoma, Ubuntu, Zuba and the current drama series, Ifipempula where she plays Aunt B.

Her inspiration comes from within and from people in society who have impacted her life positively. Her acting is driven by emulating successful and highly talented actors such as Viola Davis, Lisa Njovu and Franciar Msiska.

Her message to every woman out there is to stand together in solidarity, support and uplift each other. This is the time to celebrate their achievements and contributions to society.

“Thank God for the strength and resilience to face life's challenges.”

Share this article with a woman you know this International Women’s Day and stay tuned into more drama from the ladies on Ifipempula, every Monday to Wednesday at 21:30 here on Zambezi Magic DStv Channel 162 and GOtv Supa Channel 5.