Eastern Cape to New York: former petrol attendant is now a rising star
- Sonwabile was awarded a scholarship to attend New York Film Academy
- He used to work as a petrol attendant at Total
- He performed in the US in 2018 impressing industry leaders
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Sonwbile Qingqishe is heading to New York and South Africa couldn’t be more proud. The young talent used to brighten people’s day as the petrol attendant with a friendly smile, but now, his bright smile is featured on big screens and runways.
Sonwabile is from the Eastern Cape and used to work at a Total petrol station to make ends meet. After a long journey through the ecclect and challenging world of art and culture in the Eastern CApe, Sonwabile got his big break in 2017, Briefly.co.za learend.
Now, the youngster is heading to the New York Film Academy, with the love and support of Mzansi and the generosity of kind strangers who are helping to fund him. The multitalented star is looking for funding to get to the US where he has been awarded a prestigious scholarship after impressing Tyler Perry.
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It all began when he auditioned for a talent showcase in East London. The showcase was a platform for young South Africans to exhibit their skills to a audience knowledgeable and well-connected in the industry. An talent scout, Kim Meyers from Orlando, United States was present.
Meyers immediately recognised Sonwabile’s artistic excellence and invited him to perform in Orlando in June 2018, giving him great exposure and an opportunity to experience what the industry is like internationally.
With help from his family and friends, his manager at the Total where he worked, various organisations who believed in his dream, and the department of arts and reception, Sonwabile raised the money to go to the US and perform in the Applause Rising showcase.
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He performed before legends in the industry and representatives from giant artistic corporations, such as SONY/BMG, Walt Disney Entertainment and Tyler Perry Studios.
But Sonwabile’s vision was much bigger. He hoped that his journey would teach him valuable lessons and skills that he could share with his community back home in Mzansi. Sonwabile runs Orange Development Organisation which aims to get school learners involved with the arts.
The young man passion for performance and art began at a young age. He was only 11-years old when he took his passion to the next level and joined the Masonwabe Crew where he refined his raw talent.
Although he is moving on to greener pastures in New York, Mzansi is certain the humble young man will bring some of the magic he learns back to Mzansi to help create a platform for our creative youth.
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Source: Briefly News
