Passion and love for the arts kept distinguished theatre artist Sonwa Sakuba’s dream alive as he performed on an international stage in The Lion King in Madrid, Spain.
“It was actually my second time getting the call for The Lion King. The first time, I turned it down as I was going to New York.
“The Lion King can take you anywhere, especially as South Africans, and can help you to move up the ranks,” Sakuba said.
To pursue his dream, Sakuba had to step away from his Performing Arts Foundation.
“This is a dream show and I have always wanted to get into it. I had auditioned for dancing and singing, and made it in as a singer,” he said.
The production opened in July, and after three shows he was promoted to swing. Swingers learn all tracks in the production.
“I looked at being swing as a lot of work, and initially I did not want it. I have learnt so much already and have already learned 14 tracks,” Sakuba said.
He described being overseas as a lonely life but said it was much needed for growth.
Sakuba is a triple threat artist who has been trained to sing, dance and act.
“My foundation is still running although at a slower place because of me being overseas. It has also evolved and will soon offer one-year programmes in dance, drama and music.
“I have also managed to find a space in Mdantsane,” Sakuba said.
His vision is for the programmes to be at an international standard, with a lot of added South African styles and vibe.
