Zenobia Kloppers: From Windhoek to the World in ‘The Wheel of Time’

Namibian-born actress Zenobia Kloppers has long viewed performance not just as a career, but as a powerful expression of heritage, identity and hope.

She stars as Amico Nagoyin beginning in season three in Amazon Prime’s global fantasy series ‘The Wheel of Time’, where she is representing Namibia on the world stage.

“It’s truly a dream come true. When you come from an African country, especially one as young in its independence as Namibia, you carry the hopes and dreams of your countrymen and women with you. Being part of something on a global scale like ‘The Wheel of Time’ feels like representing so much more than just yourself. It’s humbling and deeply meaningful,” she says.

Kloppers’s love for the stage began in childhood, performing concerts and plays at home and later singing in the National Youth Choir.

At Holy Cross Convent and St. Paul’s College, her passion grew through musicals and drama productions and she later went on to study acting at the University of Cape Town and opera at the University of Stellenbosch, where she made her professional debut in the Afrikaans musical ‘Antjie Somers’.

Her career spanned acclaimed theatre and radio roles, including standout performances in ‘Fiela se Kind’ (stage and film), ‘Sarah’,’ Klarabelle Gaan Kaap Toe’, and ‘Poppie Nongena’.

Her iconic 2019 portrayal of Fiela in the film adaptation of ‘Fiela se Kind’ marked a major breakthrough and positioned her for a transition into film and television, and landed her the best actress award at the 2020 South African Independent Film Festival.

Kloppers was also nominated for best actress at the 2020 Africa Movie Academy Awards, at the 2020 South African Film and Television Awards, and at the 2019 kykNET Silwerskerm Festival for her portrayal of Fiela Komoetie.

For Kloppers, success means more than screen time; it’s about showing young Namibians what’s possible.

“If you have a deep passion for performing and storytelling, don’t let go of your dream. This career isn’t always easy – it can be financially uncertain and emotionally demanding – but the joy of being part of something as extraordinary as ‘The Wheel of Time’ makes it all worthwhile. I hope my journey inspires young creatives to believe that it is possible,” she says.

In ‘The Wheel of Time’, Kloppers plays Amico, a member of the Yellow Ajah.

“There’s always a part of yourself that you draw on when shaping a character – you are the vessel through which that character comes to life. Even something as simple as a desire to help others can manifest differently in a character’s story – perhaps as a wound, a need, or a source of strength. My character, Amico, is part of the Yellow Ajah, a faction renowned for its healing abilities. I had to explore what might cause someone like her to turn away from the light. That inner contradiction was key to my portrayal,” she says.

She filmed ‘The Wheel of Time’ in 2023, and since then, has worked on several productions.

Recent series in which she played, that aired around the same time or just after ‘Wheel of Time’ include ‘Unseen’, ‘Recipes for Love and Murder’ and ‘The Morning After’.

“I’m also thrilled about a comedy feature called ‘Lucky Fish’, which premieres in South African cinemas this July. I’ve worked on several other films and series recently. In addition to acting, my business partner Monique Seigels and I recently released two music books, ‘Oerlied’ and ‘Rielritme’ in collaboration with the Stigting vir Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans.”

– Unwrap.online

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.