With the emergence of TikTok and Instagram Reels, digital media careers have become bigger, and an integral part of keeping us entertained. We talked to digital content creator, actor and model, Azukiwe Gwentshe, better known as Jasper Zee.

Who is Jasper?

Jasper is the one and only Zee to the Zay Zay. Jasper is a creative that everybody seems to be fond of. She’s a ball of energy, hilarious, a go-getter, enthusiastic and a very flamboyant individual.

How did you fall in love with acting?

I fell in love with acting during my last primary years. Before that, I’d always been a performer, and teachers had always asked me to be the spokesperson at school events or to give a speech in front of a crowd. That was something I excelled in effortlessly. During those years, I realised that I enjoy performing and entertaining. My true and deep passion for acting grew when I entered high school, watching TV soapies and imagining myself being on the screen, feeling different emotions through a character. When I did Drama in grade 10, I realised that I was deeply in love with this and I didn’t see myself doing anything else.

You started your acting journey early as you did drama in high school; how did your parents react to the subjects you chose?

My parents, especially my dad, have always supported me in all I do. I told my teachers at Malibu High School when I was in grade 9 that I wanted to transfer and attend an art-focused school where I could study the topics I enjoy and that would motivate me to pursue a career in art. It was not really a headache; we started looking for schools in the area of Cape Town right away, and I wound up attending Belhar High. The most important thing to me has always been my parents’ support, especially given the job route I’m on. You know, the unfortunate perception in our communities is that “acting won’t get you anywhere” and “acting is a passtime,” which leads to many parents not encouraging their children’s passions, and pressuring them to pursue other things instead.

When did you start creating content for TikTok & Instagram?

I began using my TikTok account in the beginning of 2019, utilised it for a few months, and then stopped as firstly  my content wasn’t receiving many engagements, and secondly, having an Android was freaking me out. My videos just had such terrible quality that I couldn’t even watch them. Oh my god, that stage was terrifying. However I will admit that Android definitely helped to advance my career in memes. Well, two years later, my dad gave me an iPhone, and that was when I decided to start producing content once more. I did this in late 2021, but since there weren’t enough engagements, I eventually quit and even created a new page. My account has been growing so rapidly that every day I  gained at least 100-200 followers up until now. I am now sitting on 39,700 followers, while back in 2019 I had only about 800.

You have been a TikTok sensation, used as a meme and had a stint on the popular Netflix series, Blood and Water. What would you say is your proudest moment?

I’ve had many proud moments. From being used as a meme on huge platforms, celebrities posting my memes, and seeing a glimpse of myself on the Blood and Water series. It’s not much, but seeing myself on screen was something I’ve always desired.

What is your creative process when creating content for your platforms?

I’m not gonna lie; there really isn’t much of a process. Ideas just randomly pop up, and I open the camera and film my content. Most of them are inspired by relatable issues that we all experience as people. What makes it easier for me to be creative is how I’m always surrounded by dramatic people, and I can make content based on their experiences, which I know the rest of the world will relate to.

What would you be if you weren’t a content creator and actor?

I get this question a lot, and quite frankly, nothing outside of the performing arts industry has ever interested me; arts always had me captivated, so, realistically, I don’t see myself pursuing something that does not include being a creative talent.

What would you say to your younger self? And 10 years into the future what do you think you will be saying to the  present you?

To my younger self, I would say I am proud of all the accomplishments and achievements you have done since a young age. From your academic achievements to your confidence, you were always bold to bring out to the world. It has really groomed and shaped you to be where you are now. And that is the exact same thing I would say to myself ten years from now because I know I will be greater than this.

Tell us: who do you follow on social media, and why?

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