Latest news with #Zizi
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Refilwe Modiselle gently tackles misconceptions and myths about albinism with her children's book
Modiselle published 'Zizi's World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes', a story that encourages children to celebrate their individuality. It's easy for one's heart to be hardened by traumatic experiences. For Refilwe Modiselle, who lives with albinism, the ostracisation that comes with her skin condition hasn't dented the person. 'I don't believe in aggression, I think that's how I conducted myself generally. I'm a very outspoken person, a lot of people know that I say what I say and I mean what I say. But I do it with a respect,' Modiselle tells The Citizen. The media personality recently published a children's book, Zizi's World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes, a story that encourages children to celebrate their individuality and treat others with respect and compassion. The story is centred on Zizi, a bright, confident girl with albinism. By definition, albinism is a genetic condition characterised by a lack or reduction of melanin, the pigment that gives colour to skin, hair, and eyes. In African communities, misconceptions and myths about albinism harshly thrive. One of the most prevalent African myths about albinism is that individuals with albinism and their body parts have superpowers. This unfounded belief has led to the mutilation of throngs in Africa. ALSO READ: Radio 2000 broadcaster Ntombi Meso mends childhood traumas through her children's book Refilwe's homage to her parents In the story, Zizi's support structure is her parents, just as Modiselle's folks have been to her. Bringing 'Zizi's' parents into the story is Modiselle's way of honouring her parents, who showed her love from the day she was born. 'This was an honour for my parents and the love they instilled in me. Unfortunately, my dad is late, but this book honours the role that he played. It's so key for parents to understand the role that they play in who their kids become.' 'I am because they were who they were.' 'I was born in Soweto, the township. I did go through the questions, obviously, but, as a child, you're not cognisant of those things.' 'The book sort of highlights that. When you're born into a home that doesn't really note the differences of who you are, you don't feel the pinch of the pain. You only recognise those things when you're much older. Because I came from a loving home, I did not see those things', she says. ALSO READ: Refilwe Modiselle on being an inspiration Writing 'Zizi's world' The book was officially released on June 28. Modiselle was approached by Lingua Franca Publishers, a publishing company with a track record in children's literature, among other genres. 'I thought 'yoh, a book',' exclaims the media personality. She was initially taken aback by the offer, but she gradually opened herself up to the idea. Modiselle was approached in January, and she considered her creative direction in February, beginning to write in March. 'It took me about two or three weeks straight, as in locking myself up and writing the book,' shares Modiselle. 'I could've chosen any angle. For me, the most important thing was like 'oh, I've never seen a child with albinism in a book'.' 'This is important in terms of representation in terms of seeing myself and any other child with albinism or a person with a difference.' 'It was partially my story, but not entirely. Some parts have been twisted,' she says. Modiselle did most of the writing and handed it to the publisher. It was edited by Kudakwashe Dzache. 'I was given creative freedom to write, and they tweaked where they needed to tweak…and it [editing] was very minimal. When I sent the first draft, they were happy.' 'I've always said that yes I'm writing a children's book but that book is not 'a,e,i,o,u' it's not,' she exclaims. 'It comes down to the level of explaining to a child but allowing an uneducated person to also be able to understand at a basic level, so that they feel it.' ALSO READ: 'Live a life filled with purpose': Refilwe Modiselle in new digi-series Challenges remain Modiselle is frank in her assessment of how being a famous person who lives with albinism is slightly different to that of an ordinary citizen who has the same condition. 'Obviously, you will feel the treatment, but because you became a lot more famous and there was an understanding of who you became or what you presented to people, it doesn't mean that it became easier. It became softer, but not easier.' The trio of being a woman who is black and lives with albinism is one that firmly places one at the bottom of the barrel in society. 'It became slightly easier because people learn who you are, your essence. They kind of almost forget, but they don't. They don't forget what you come with.' 'Because you're 'Refilwe', you've made people kind of forget this thing, but they don't forget it. It doesn't mean that clients gravitate to me easily; they still have a sense of resistance.' Zizi's World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes has received a warm reception from those who have already purchased the book, and the actress says a second edition is not off the cards. NOW READ: Another one! Dr Musa Mthombeni graduates with a Master of Medicine
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Is Zizi Kirana-Yusuf Bahrin's marriage in trouble?
KUALA LUMPUR: Celebrity couple Zizi Kirana and Yusuf Bahrin have reportedly unfollowed each other on Instagram, leading to speculation about the status of their marriage. Adding to the conjecture, recent news reports indicate a noticeable absence of joint photos on their social media accounts, a stark contrast to their previous uploads. Zizi, 40, last posted a picture of her 33-year-old husband on June 8, commemorating his birthday. In a recent post on Threads, Zizi hinted at personal struggles, sharing: "This year I've been tested, but God still gave me a chance to pick myself up after the fall. Praise be to God, while not everyone understands my journey, God is never far away from me. O Lord, please forgive my mistakes in the past, and keep me blessed from now on, and do not let me go through everything without You." Her latest Instagram update features a video of the recitation of the al-Waqiah verses from the Quran. A quick review of Yusuf's Instagram reveals he has solely been sharing work-related updates. His last post featuring Zizi was on her birthday, accompanied by a heartfelt caption: "A 'roller coaster' ride (in a relationship) is normal, everyone has to face it. The important thing is how well is the ending. Praise be to God, Allah still keeps you alive, and still allowing us to live together." The couple tied the knot on September 19, 2021, after meeting during the recording of the entertainment programme 'All Together Now Malaysia.'
IOL News
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
New children's book highlights challenges and strength in living with albinism
Refilwe Modiselle, South Africa's first working model with albinism, launches her debut children's book Zizi's World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes, celebrating diversity and self-acceptance. Award-winning media personality, actress, and South Africa's first working model with albinism, Refilwe Modiselle, has entered the literary world with her debut children's book, Zizi's World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes. The book tells the story of a young girl with albinism who moves to a new city and learns to embrace her uniqueness despite challenges. Zizi, a confident girl supported by loving parents, faces uncertainty when she starts primary school and notices few people look like her. With her parents' help, she finds strength in her identity. Zizi's World is aimed at children aged 4 to 12 and addresses the everyday experiences of children with albinism while encouraging empathy and respect among all readers. The story tackles misconceptions about albinism, especially in African communities, and reflects authentic South African settings and culture. The book promotes themes of kindness, respect, unity, and standing up for others, aligning with goals for raising emotionally intelligent and compassionate children in diverse classrooms. Refilwe Modiselle is an award-winning actress, TV and radio host, model, inspirational speaker, and team-building coach. She is recognised as South Africa's first successful working model with albinism and has a social media following of over 825,000. Modiselle uses her platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for people with albinism. Zizi's World: Through Her Vanilla Eyes is her first children's book, inspired by her own journey to celebrate diversity, identity, belonging, and inclusivity.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Zizi Safira stamps her name on Sumandak hall of fame
RISING Sabahan singer Zizi Safira is often mistaken for Zizi Kirana (Nor Fazilah Mohamad Tahil) largely because they both hail from The Land Below The Wind. In a recent chat with the New Straits Times, 21-year-old Zizi said that even though many music lovers make that mistake, she admires her namesake who not only sings well but also acts and dances well too. AKADEMI FANTASIA "Truth be told, I hail from Tambunan and am of Kadazan-Dusun descent, while Zizi Kirana is from Semporna and she is of Bajau descent," said Zizi, who voted for her namesake during her days in 'Akademi Fantasia Season 7'. Zizi, the elder of two siblings, has been in the music industry for two years. She graduated with a business diploma in 2023 from Kosmopoint College, Kota Kinabalu. "I've always been surrounded by music as my family is musically inclined," said Zizi who lists Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Yuna, Jaclyn Victor, Marsha Londoh, Stacy Anam, Ayu Damit, Adira Suhaimi, Ernie Zakri and Aina Abdul as her favourite Malaysian singers. "Internationally, I'm a major fan of Celine Dion, Billie Eilish and Bruno Mars." BINTANG RTM Zizi won the 'Bintang RTM' crown in 2024. She subsequently participated in 'I Can See Your Voice Season 8'. "Last year I auditioned for Calpis Soda One In A Million (OIAM) but I did not make the grade." Nevertheless, Zizi is happy that one of her dear friends, Marygrace Jane Penserga won, and she has high hopes for Marygrace to become the "next big pop princess" from her home state. Zizi is a host, singer and dancer for the Information Department, and has been with them for almost a year. "I am a self-taught dancer, and I took singing lessons from a vocal coach in Tambunan," she said. Zizi has performed two Kadazan-Dusun songs namely 'Pinataam Ku' (2021) and 'Boros Ginavo' (2022). "My two Malay songs thus far are 'Hasrat Kerinduan' (2023) and 'Merana' (2024). I also have a new song in the pipeline, and I would love to release a full Malay album later," she said. Zizi has an interest in musical theatre and would be honoured to star in musicals produced by Istana Budaya or Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina's company Enfiniti Productions. "I am not that keen on acting, even though I'm a big fan of Malaysian dramas, and count Datuk Rosyam Nor as my all-time screen idol," said Zizi. Zizi is happy to be based in Malaysia, since she is close to her family and misses them easily. "But if I were to perform overseas, I would love to sing in Indonesia and record a duet with an Indonesian artiste such as Datuk Seri Rossa, who is my favourite regional diva." Zizi would love to sing in more languages, and right now she can sing in English, Malay and Kadazan-Dusun. She believes that being multi-lingual is a blessing for all Malaysians as this reflects the spirit of muhibbah and Bangsa Malaysia. 'MERANA' Zizi is busily promoting her latest single 'Merana' which is written and composed by Mas Dewangga and Jova Devito. It is an electronic dance music and pop song, and she hopes to record more songs in that genre. Zizi was active in singing contests during her schooldays and first performed on the big stage in 2018. "Reality talent shows have been a godsend, a great way to search for new talents, and without reality talent shows, Sabah's massive pool of talent would not have gone mainstream in Kuala Lumpur." Zizi has always followed reality talent shows since she was a kid but looking back, she prefers a lessening of the Short Messaging Servicevoting format. "There has to always be a balance between judges' marks and fans' votes because fans' votes often see truly talented singers getting eliminated early, especially those who are less gorgeous but more talented," she said.
