China-based local filmmaker Takudzwa Duncan earned dual nominations at the 12th edition of the Pride of Africa Asia-Pacific Awards 2025 that was hosted at the Landmark Hotel in Beijing, China, on June 28. Duncan won the Young Achievers Award and was also nominated for the Award of Creativity and Enterprise. The ceremony, hosted annually, features over 28 categories, with nominees from more than 22 countries, including Uganda, Ghana, Jamaica, Liberia, Cameroon, the United States, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, Mali, Eswatini and Morocco, among others.
The participants are based in China, where they study or work. The Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Awards is an annual event recognising and celebrating the achievements of Africans and their partners in the Asia Pacific region, spanning various fields such as diplomacy, business, arts, youth development and media. The event acknowledges outstanding individuals and organisations for their positive impact on the African and Asian Pacific communities and highlighting the influence of Africans and their contributions across the Asia Pacific region.
Duncan moved to China last year to pursue his creative work as a filmmaker and also embark on some entrepreneurship ventures while studying Mandarin at East China University of Technology. IndependentXtra reporter Khumbulani Muleya (KM) caught up with Duncan (TK) from his base in Nanchang city in Jiangxi province, southeast of China, for a brief interview:
KM: Congratulations, how did you feel when your name was announced in Beijing?
TD: Honestly, it came as a surprise, but I was also hopeful. All the nominees are highly-profiled people in the Asia-Pacific region.
KM: What do these nominations and win mean to you personally?
TD: All the hard work I am putting in is not going unnoticed, and it really means a lot to me to be recognised on such a global platform.
This also boosts my resume as these are the biggest Asia-Pacific Awards, which recognise African entrepreneurs and creatives within this part of the world.
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KM: How do you define “success” as a young African in the Asia-Pacific region?
TD: I see it as the ability to embrace who you are and where you are from unapologetically because that’s what Asians, especially Chinese do, they are so proud of themselves from their language, culture, products, I mean everything.
KM: Can you share a specific project or initiative that contributed to your recognition at these awards?
TD: I launched my travel Vlog and a podcast where I explore my everyday ventures in China. I publish the content on the WeChat channel (short-video platform) and Doiyin (Chinese TikTok), but soon the content will be on other platforms that are accessible to the rest of the world.
I also had an online screening for Ngoda (Season 1), which was received quite well as we still wait for the official release of the series. I have hosted a couple of events and shoots, which include the New Year’s Eve Gala.
I started a visa agency company (Reliable Visa Agency) and an online store (Kadkah Online. So, it wasn’t really a single project that got me this award.
KM: How do you plan to leverage this award to amplify your work or advocate for your cause?
TD: After winning this award, my university offered to support my next film project, which I plan to shoot in China.
I have also begun receiving distribution offers from around the world for my films and creative works.
I know this is only the beginning — I hope this recognition will help me travel more, produce more content, and share a positive African narrative globally.
KM: Any message for people who support you back home?
TD: Honestly, my people are my fuel—especially those who support me. Thank you so much for giving me more reasons to keep going.
I am a proud Zimbo, and I can’t wait for the day I bring an Oscar home to my people!
