Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zuri Soyinka. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zuri, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you signed with an agent or manager? Why or why not?

Yes! I’ve been represented by J. Pervis Talent Agency for over four years now. They’re a full service talent agency based out of Atlanta, and have discovered and worked with artists such as Dakota and Elle Fanning, Raven Symone, Kyle Massey, and Chloe and Halle. I was actually referred to them by a family friend of mine- Niles Fitch- who the world knows best as Teenage Randall from This Is Us.

At the time, I was extremely green to the industry and hadn’t met with too many agents. I’d done a lot of research and submitted to every Atlanta agent on my wish list, then submitted to the ones that would make more sense given the state of my resume lol.

To be honest, I still really don’t know what exactly it was that they saw in me that made them say yes, but when I got that email saying that they loved me and want to offer me representation nothing else mattered. I was in my theatre class at school and just went crazy. They’re great. I really do love my little team. Can’t wait to book some more stuff with them.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m Zuri Soyinka, and I’m an actor. I primarily audition for television and film. I got my start in local theatre and school plays, and steadily worked my way into extra work, then guest star roles in non union projects. My skills include stage combat, South African, Nigerian, and standard British accents. I’m not a great dancer, but if you give me a routine I’’ll do alright. I sing a lil bit too lol. Ive been taking voice lessons for over a year now and I’m definitely hearing the difference. Broadway’s never been on the vision board for me, but with the places God is going to elevate my career to- who knows when I’ll need to use these vocals lol.

I definitely will say that my biggest accomplishment is booking my first sizeable role which was a supporting lead role in The Deadliest Lie. It’s on the Tubi streaming app if you guys want to check it out. As an actor, there’s nothing more validating than seeing yourself on screen. You’re not thinking about how long it took you to get to that point, you’re just so happy you’re there.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Getting booked can simply be a stroke of luck. So many times it’s a split decision. It’s between you and the other guy. Being talented alone doesn’t book you the role. There are so many different hands in the pot that decide which actor will book that Series Regular role- ultimately it usually ends up coming down to the producers.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being able to afford to live the lifestyle you want from doing what you love.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: zurisoyinka
• Youtube: zurisoyinka