The Sunday News
Nkosilesisa Ncube, Sunday life Reporter
While it was great to see the familiar faces of Donna N and Lady Tshawe on the stage last week on Tellers: The Musical, it was even more refreshing to see and witness the fresh faced newcomers into the theatre scene who made up the rest of the cast of the musical. The all female cast introduced the audience to five ladies who, if their Tellers performance is anything to go by, will be household names in no time.
Memory Mguni, who played the character of the loveable and highly animated maid MaNtuli, is a lot like her character, a very bubbly person. Mguni who grew up in a remote rural area in Plumtree says she always wanted knew that her life would lead her to the arts. “Growing up I always knew I had something to offer the world and it is only now, on stage that I feel like I am living out my full purpose,” said the 26 year old. Mguni’s acting career began earlier this year with a Theatre for Everyone production where she played a supporting role. Apart from acting, Mguni has worked with numerous charity and voluntary projects. She says she has a passion for children and previously worked as a child minder at a local day care centre. Currently Mguni serves as the Public Relations Officer for StarFM’s Team Bulawayo.
Angel Mpofu who played the boss lady Femi says she and her stage character could not be more different. Where Femi is reserved and slightly snobbish, Angel is a loud and friendly individual. “I am a sociable, fun and adventurous person. l always like explore and venture into different things. I am always keen to learn and l adapt fast to new concepts that I am taught,” she said. The wife and mother took a keen interest in the arts while still in college and says that being in the arts completes her.
While she enjoys the attention and rush of performing are rewarding, she chose acting because it was the only way she could address serious issues affecting people in their day to day lives.
Sibahle Ngwenya portrays the role of the vain and selfish Nikiwe. However, Ngwenya proves to be more than just a pretty face with her diverse talents. “Basically I am multi-talented and have no specific niche in the arts industry, I do most of everything…Art was born in me..I am the art,” says the 19 year old budding artiste. Having started drama at high school, Ngwenya has managed to be in quite a number of plays but says The Tellers gave her an opportunity her other unnurtured talents such as singing and dancing. She is also a model, having walked the ramp at the 2015 Intwasa Fashion show, Bulawayo Polytech fashion show and taking part in Miss Kariba.
The free spirited Lorin Sibanda, who plays Rumbi, the opinionated and slightly embittered till operator is no stranger to the stage. She, however, specialised in music and dance, particularly with Umkhathi Theatre Works. With the group, she won a NAMA and travelled around the world, reaching destinations such as Europe and Cote d’Ivoire. In her free time, Sibanda teaches dance and theatre to children. She has also facilitated and adjudicated traditional danced competitions. Sibanda describes herself as a devout Christian who tries to stay on the right side of things. “I am do-gooder; at least I try to be. I like being on everyone’s good side,” she says. Apart from performing, Sibanda is an avid sports person, specialising in volleyball and handball.
The short girl with a powerful voice, Nolizwe Sibanda who too played a till operator is also a full time recording artiste.
Although she enjoys both dance and acting, she says singing is her specialty. She says grew up as a singer and while still in primary school, she performed at the Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA). Sibanda took up the arts when financial constraints saw her unable to complete her ‘O’Levels. It was at this point that she turned to the arts as a full time performer. “I could not complete my ‘O’Levels so I resorted to the arts. It was the best decision I ever made because now I live breathe and eat the arts,” she says. The mother of one sings backup vocals for Sandra Ndebele and is a vocalist for One Stand Band.
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