Mekonnen Knife got the chance to combine his love of singing, dancing, and acting in the role of a lifetime, playing Vargas in “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires.” Knife talked to NYOTA about preparing for the role of Vargas, using his voice to advocate for causes he cares about, and preparing to go on tour with his castmates.

You started as a dancer. What made you pivot to acting?
I actually started with modeling and stage acting when I was 11 years old. Then I started taking a dance class when a choreographer in a play I was in said I had talent and that I should look at dance classes. Dance became my world for a few years, but I didn’t lose the love of acting. So, I love that I get to do both in my current work.

Was it an exciting challenge to focus on acting, singing, and dancing in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires?
Yeah, for sure—it was a challenge, but also one of the most exciting things I’ve done. Balancing everything at once pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I grew a lot from it. And honestly, it was just so much fun being part of that world.

What do you look for in a role that motivates you to take it on – for example, what motivated you to take on the role of Vargas?
Firstly, to work with Disney is a dream come true. Disney musicals were always my favorite growing up. So, to be cast in a movie where I get to use my dancing and acting skills is so fun. When I look at a role, I get excited if the character has a big personality and a good heart, like Vargas. I saw a lot of myself in him — he’s funny and loud but also loyal and caring. That made it really fun to play. But I also want to challenge myself with more serious roles in the future — characters that go deeper and show different sides of life. I’m excited to grow as an actor and try new things.

How did you prepare for your role as Vargas in Zombies 4? What was the most challenging part of playing the character?
To get ready to play Vargas, I worked on his energy — he’s loud, funny, and super loyal, so I wanted to really bring that out. I also practiced dancing when we weren’t on set and listened to music a lot to feel more like him. I actually see a lot of myself in Vargas, which helped. The hardest part was showing both sides of him, like he’s silly and makes jokes, but he also really cares about his friends. I wanted to make sure people could see that and believe it.

What was your favorite scene to film in Z4? Is there anything that fans should look out for in the film?
My favorite scenes to film were the music numbers. They were so fun — dancing, singing, and being with the cast was the best part. It felt like one big party every time we shot one. Fans should watch out for some awesome dance scenes and a few surprises. There’s a lot of cool moments I think people are really gonna love.

With the “Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour” beginning July 17th in San Diego, what are you looking forward to experiencing on tour? What can fans expect from the tour?
It’s my first time doing a tour like this, so I’m excited to hit the road with the cast and meet fans in different cities. What I’m most looking forward to is just being on stage with everyone, performing the songs, dancing, and seeing the crowd go wild. The energy is gonna be crazy! Fans can expect a super fun show — there’s music from both Descendants and Zombies, cool visuals, and a lot of surprises. We’ve been working hard to make it something special, so I think people are really gonna love it. It’s like a big celebration of both worlds coming together.

Who are your inspirations when it comes to performing? What do you hope to evoke in your performances and roles?
When I perform, I just want people to feel something. Whether it’s laughing, getting chills, or even just relating to what I’m doing, I want it to connect. I think the best performances make you feel seen or remind you that you’re not alone, and that’s what I hope to do with mine.

With your dedication to volunteering, specifically for the Grace Center Foundation, raising awareness for men’s mental health, and diversity in creative spaces, how do you see your role as a performer in advocating for these causes?
As a performer, I think it’s not just about being on screen or on stage—it’s also about using my voice to help people feel seen and heard. If I can make even a small difference by sharing what I care about, then I’m doing something right.

Tickets are on sale now for the “Descendants & Zombies Worlds Collide Tour” here.