Zinhle Essamuah: NBC News Daily Anchor
Zinhle Essamuah is an Emmy-nominated journalist and filmmaker, currently co-anchor of NBC News Daily and a correspondent for NBC News, reporting across NBC News NOW, Nightly News, and TODAY. She is best known for her impactful reporting on justice, culture, and poverty, as well as her ability to tell nuanced stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
Who Is Zinhle Essamuah?
Zinhle Essamuah is a trailblazing journalist whose work has driven real-world change. Her investigative reporting has influenced policy, such as prompting Louisiana’s governor to limit solitary confinement in juvenile facilities. Her stories have inspired individuals, like a viewer who paid off a tenant’s home after she reported on fake landlord scams in Detroit. Zinhle’s reporting spans crucial topics, including the U.S. Black maternal health crisis, disparities in healthcare, and environmental justice.
Zinhle Essamuah: Age and Birthday
While Zinhle has kept her exact birthdate private, she is believed to be in her early 30s as of 2025. Her youthful energy and professionalism reflect her dedication to her craft and her commitment to making an impact through journalism.
How to Pronounce Zinhle Essamuah
The pronunciation of Zinhle Essamuah can sometimes be tricky for those unfamiliar with her name. “Zinhle” is pronounced as Zing-clay, and “Essamuah” is pronounced as Eh-sah-moo-ah.
Zinhle Essamuah: Parents and Nationality
As a first-generation American with roots in the African diaspora, Zinhle’s heritage deeply influences her storytelling. She is the daughter of African immigrants—her father, a leader of the global mission for the Bay Area Community Church in Annapolis, hails from Ghana, West Africa, while her mother, Angela Wakhweya Essamuah, the Anne Arundel County Health Officer, is from Uganda, East Africa.
Zinhle grew up in Massachusetts until the age of 11 before moving to Maryland, where her family has lived for seven years. She has two younger brothers, Zikomo and Zachary. Inspired by her grandmother, who endured dictator Idi Amin’s oppressive regime in Uganda, Zinhle says, “My grandma remains my inspiration both for her strength, but also for her commitment to truth.” This rich heritage and upbringing continue to shape her dedication to cross-cultural communication and storytelling.
Is Zinhle Essamuah Married? Does She Have a Partner or Husband?
As of now, Zinhle Essamuah has not disclosed details about her marital status or whether she has a partner. She maintains a private personal life, focusing primarily on her career and advocacy. There is no public information suggesting that she is married or has children.
Zinhle Essamuah Education
Zinhle holds a Master’s degree in Media, Strategic Communication, and Documentary Filmmaking from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she co-founded the school’s first National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) chapter. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the same university in 2015. Additionally, she holds a Graduate Certification in Documentary Filmmaking from George Washington University. Zinhle is now an adjunct professor at the university’s School of Media and Public Affairs, teaching and mentoring the next generation of journalists.
Zinhle Essamuah: Career Highlights
Zinhle’s career is marked by groundbreaking achievements. Before joining NBC News, she opened the D.C. bureau for NowThis News, serving as their lead politics producer during the Trump administration. She anchored the flagship broadcast “KnowThis,” a daily evening news show, and hosted the weekly political interview program “KnowThis Live.” Her original reports garnered millions of views and included in-depth coverage of Black maternal mortality, environmental justice, and private immigration detention facilities.
At NBC News, Zinhle has interviewed prominent figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Reese Witherspoon, Serena Williams, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Stacey Abrams, and more. Her investigative work has earned her an NABJ Award, an ONA Award, and a third-place finish for the Collier Prize. She is also a recipient of a Gracie Award for her short documentary on the Black Lives Matter movement in Ferguson, Missouri.
Zinhle Essamuah: Impactful Reporting
Zinhle’s storytelling has broken ground on topics like hair relaxer lawsuits and disparities in healthcare, highlighting systemic issues that often go unreported. Her ability to inspire action through journalism underscores her influence and commitment to justice.
Zinhle Essamuah: Social Media Presence
Zinhle is active on social media platforms, where she shares updates about her work and connects with her audience. Her Instagram and Twitter accounts offer glimpses into her professional and personal life, showcasing her dynamic personality and dedication to her craft.
Zinhle Essamuah: Hobbies and Personal Life
When she’s not reporting, Zinhle enjoys brewing tea, flipping furniture, hosting dinner parties, singing, and playing her guitars. Her vibrant personality and varied interests add to her relatability and charm.
Final Thoughts
Zinhle Essamuah’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and authenticity. From her award-winning documentaries to her impactful investigative reporting, Zinhle continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Whether you’re drawn to her for her compelling reporting or her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, Zinhle Essamuah is undoubtedly a name to watch.
