Nomzamo Mbatha: "I'm really hard on myself"

Nomzamo Mbatha knows exactly what she would buy if money was no object. 

"A private plane or a yacht in St Tropez," says the South African actress and human rights activist, who recently starred in the Eddie Murphy sequel Coming 2 America.

That's a very baller answer and we hugely endorse it. 

With a career that is going from strength to strength, we doubt it's long before Mbatha's yacht is pulling up in a sunny harbour. 

Life

What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?

I'm preparing to start shooting a sci-fi thriller feature this summer that will probably stretch and challenge me. This is something I'm particularly excited about.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

Seeing the success of Coming 2 America is truly satisfying and rewarding. Having been a part of it is a proud moment.

If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?

I would probably change not taking a year off to attend a theatre programme overseas.

I still want to stretch my muscle on stage and live in a foreign country whilst doing so.

What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?

To execute and produce both a feature film and television series under my production company.

Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?

At the moment I am so inspired by black female creatives such as Issa Rae, Micaela Coel, Chloe Zhao, and Regina King.

Women who have been creating beautiful human stories that are relatable across the board.

Tell us something nobody knows about you…

That I'm really hard on myself.

Style

What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?

My late grandmother's scarf. Her and I were extremely close so it's my most treasured item.

Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?

My Cartier watch. It's my first major luxury item that I bought myself.

What items do you take on holiday and why?

Linen clothing and chic sneakers. I love dressing casual chic when I'm on holiday with little effort.

The sneakers are for comfort because walking and discovering little towns and parts of that city/island is essential.

Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?

Yes, it's painful to even think or talk about. My camera bag with all my equipment was stolen recently.

What’s next on your shopping list?

I want to get myself a diamond necklace.

What would you buy if money was no object?

A private plane or a yacht in St Tropez.