There’s nothing better than the holidays! It’s a chance to reconnect with family, eat lots of delicious food and binge-watch all your favourite Zambezi Magic shows. Ubuntu star Chinyimba Daisy Mwansa Lusumpa (who plays Thandiwena on the show) is going to do exactly that this festive (but also keeping in mind that we are living through a pandemic). To celebrate holiday cheer, we sought audience with the queen – and she revealed what she’ll be getting up to, what she’ll be serving at her table, as well as her plans for 2021. Read on!

What’s your favorite thing about the festive season?

"There are so many things I love about this time of the year. Top of my list is resting and reflecting on how the year has been. I also love renewing bonds by spending quality time with my family and friends."

Do you celebrate Christmas? If you do, what are your plans for the day?

“I definitely celebrate Christmas. I'm a believer in the Blood of Jesus and believe that God sent his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us. Christmas is a way of remembering that sacrifice. I just got married, so I can bet you this Christmas is going to be different. It will be the first one where I will be celebrating with a partner. The plan is to spend time with my husband and with our loved ones from both sides of the family. It would have been fantastic if me and my small circle of friends could have taken a trip, but obviously with the current pandemic still making its rounds, this Christmas will be different.”

Any holiday tips?

“We are all trying to acclimatise to the new normal – and with festive upon us, people need to be cautious as they celebrate. Remember to mask up, practice physical social distancing and keep your hands sanitised and clean. On a lighter note, a red and white face mask is another way of celebrating safely [laughs]”

What’s the most important thing to remember during the holiday season?

“I think the best thing you can do during the holidays is to remember to stay grateful and know that tomorrow is not guaranteed. Also, do your best when given a shot, forget the past and what you did wrong, deal with the now, and love hard.”

Please share your perfect holiday lunch menu with us.

“Of course! So, definitely nothing heavy. On Christmas Day, we’ll probably have some marinated braai steak with mashed potato and butternut, plus some fruit salad to top it all off. Also, my husband makes the best watermelon smoothies, so that is definitely on the menu!“

What’s the fondest festive memory you have as a child?

“I won the ‘Miss Christmas’ pageant when I was about 10 years old. I couldn't believe it! [laughs] I was so happy and so excited. That's the first and last time I ever participated in a beauty pageant though. Something else that comes to mind is doing Christmas Plays in church. Those were really beautiful. I literally grew up participating in church plays at Sunday School. Here we are now! [laughs] Last but not least, my favourite memory has got to be Christmas lunch. Eating rice and chicken was definitely the endgame.”

What are your hopes for 2021?

“Definitely crossing fingers for more opportunities to grow my career in the new year.”

Finally, a message for our Zambezi Magic family that watches you on TV.

“Zambezi Magic family and fans; you guys are everything! Thank you for supporting local content. All your reviews and comments make the journey worthwhile. We are so grateful for the love and the support. Thank you so much to Zambezi Magic for giving us a platform to be able to showcase our art in Zambia and also most importantly for creating jobs for us.”