África Zavala on 20 Years of Artistry, Motherhood, and Global Storytelling

With a career spanning two decades, África Zavala has become one of the most admired and versatile figures in Latin television. From her early training at Televisa’s Centro de Educación Artística to leading roles across major productions, Zavala’s journey has been shaped by discipline, resilience, and a deep love for storytelling.

In this exclusive conversation, the Mexican actress opens up about the lessons that shaped her career, the emotional preparation behind her most complex characters, her excitement for the international melodrama Corazón de Marruecos, and how motherhood has transformed her understanding of success.

Exclusive Interview with África Zavala

1. You recently celebrated 20 years in the entertainment industry. When you look back at your journey, what moment do you feel truly shaped the actress and woman you are today?

When I look back, I feel a lot of gratitude. These have been years of immense learning, fulfilled dreams, challenges, and also difficult moments that made me grow. I believe what has shaped me the most as an actress and as a woman has been learning not to give up, to trust my path, and to understand that every character, every project, and every stage comes to teach you something. Today I value the process, the discipline, and the opportunity to keep doing what I love much more.

2. You began your career with strong training at Televisa’s Centro de Educación Artística. What lessons from those early years still guide your work today?

The CEA was a very important foundation in my life. There I learned discipline, commitment, respect for this profession, and teamwork. From the beginning, I understood that acting is not just standing in front of a camera, but preparing, listening, observing, and giving yourself over truthfully. Those teachings stay with me to this day: arriving prepared, being punctual, respecting my colleagues, and never stopping learning.

3. Your roles have ranged from romantic dramas to intense action series and antagonist characters. How do you prepare yourself emotionally to enter such different worlds?

Each character asks something different of me. I like to prepare through emotion, but also through research and observation. I try to understand what they feel, what hurts them, what they desire, and why they act the way they act. I do not judge my characters, even if they are antagonists or make tough decisions; instead, I seek to find their humanity. For me, that is the magic of acting: entering very different worlds without losing the truth.

4. In recent projects, you have taken on more complex roles, including playing twin sisters in Monteverde. What was the biggest artistic challenge of portraying dual characters?

Playing twin sisters was a huge challenge because it was not just about changing my voice or appearance, but about building two distinct souls. I had to pay attention to their gazes, their energy, their way of reacting, and even their silences. It was a beautiful challenge as an actress because it forced me to stay very focused and to work with great precision so the audience could feel they were two completely different women.

5. You are preparing for Corazón de Marruecos and learning Arabic for the role. What excites you most about stepping into a more international and cross-cultural story?

I am very excited because it is a story that allows me to get to know another culture, another language, and another way of seeing life. Preparing for Corazón de Marruecos has been a very enriching process; learning Arabic and getting closer to their customs makes me feel that I am growing not only as an actress, but also as a human being. I am thrilled to be able to tell a more international story, with respect, sensitivity, and a lot of heart.

6. You have maintained a respected public image while staying focused on your work and avoiding unnecessary controversy. How important is it for you to protect professional and respectful spaces in the industry?

For me, it is very important to take care of workspaces and maintain respect. This career already demands a lot of effort, dedication, and discipline, and I believe the most valuable thing is to focus on the talent, the stories, and each person’s work. I have always tried to carry out my career with professionalism, without getting into unnecessary controversies. I like for people to talk about my work, my characters, and what I can contribute as an actress.

7. Beyond acting, you are also a mother and a role model for many women. How has motherhood influenced your perspective on ambition, success, and the legacy you want to build?

Motherhood changed my life completely. It made me stronger, more sensitive, and more aware of what really matters. Being a mom has taught me to view success in a different way: not just as professional achievements, but as the possibility of building something with love, values, and example. Today my greatest motivation is for my son to feel proud of me, not only for what I do, but for the woman I am. I want my legacy to be one of love, hard work, respect, and perseverance.