Sonwa Sakuba Institute for the Performing Arts School students staged The Next Level, their last production of the year, last Friday.
The show, which incorporated singing, dance, and drama, was staged at the Sonwa Sakuba studio in Hemingways.
Sakuba said it was important that students knew how to stage a production.
“This showcase is practical and counts towards the student’s final examination work.
“It is wonderful to see how much they have achieved throughout the year.
“I am very proud of them,” Sakuba said.
The students gave excellent performances, tackling challenging songs from prominent musicians such as Anita Baker, Jennifer Hudson, Brenda Fassie, and Nathi Mankayi, among others.
Student Mava Gqeba said: “Being a student at the institute has provided me with the resources to develop my artistic skills and my ideas to the next level.
“I’ve been able to make so much progress as an individual this year at the institute, way more than I would have done alone.
“One of the great things about being at the institute is that you get exposure to so many different sides of the industry.
“I have grown, not only as a performer but as a teacher, a composer, and a director.
“This show is a chance for me to showcase everything that I’ve learned this year, mainly how my vocal range has expanded, and now I also get to watch the growth of my peers and celebrate our work as we take it to the next level.”
Another student, Sinovuyo Godlo, said: “Being a part of the institute has opened so many doors for so many young people, especially in East London.
“I have had the chance to explore my passion and put my heart and dedication into what I do, and, combined with the knowledge, it has opened so many doors for me.
“When I look at my growth and how far I have come from the beginning of the year, I am quite proud of myself.
“For me, this show is a chance for us to explore our creativity. I am very grateful for this opportunity.”
