Wanga Zulu

Wanga Zulu, popularly known as Mai Guru or Junza from the hit Zambian telenovela Mpali, is one of Zambia’s most respected actresses and a pioneer in the local film industry. She was born on April 1, 1974, in Mazabuka, Zambia, where she spent most of her early years. Wanga attended Kaonga Primary School before proceeding to Mazabuka Girls Secondary School, where her passion for art and performance began to show. Before venturing into acting full-time, she worked as a teacher at her family-owned school in Mazabuka, demonstrating a deep commitment to education and community service. Her journey into the film industry began in 2003 when she enrolled in Henry Kapoko’s Media House film training course, where she trained for three years. During this period, she gained valuable acting experience by participating in small productions such as Hopes and Dreams. Her official television debut came with the drama series Brothers, in which she played the role of Lindiwe Mawele. From there, her talent quickly became evident, and she went on to feature in various projects including Maliposa, Not My Family, Foolish Me, and several radio dramas for the BBC. Wanga Zulu’s career reached new heights when she joined the cast of Mpali, one of Zambia’s most-watched television dramas. In her role as Mai Guru, the first wife of Nguzu, she portrays a strong, wise, and motherly figure who maintains unity and balance among the other wives in a polygamous household. Her performance earned her national recognition and admiration for her natural talent and emotional depth. Beyond acting, Wanga has become a voice for positive change in Zambia—serving as a brand ambassador for USAID’s “Alternatives to Charcoal” campaign, which promotes environmental conservation through sustainable cooking methods. Over the years, her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry have been celebrated widely. In 2020, she received the “Outstanding Woman in Entertainment and Arts” award at the Push Awards, affirming her as one of Zambia’s leading figures in film and media. A devoted mother of five and wife to Daniel Mutale, Wanga Zulu continues to inspire many through her humility, professionalism, and commitment to storytelling that reflects the realities and values of Zambian life.