The rise of Thembisa’s actress Nonhlanhla Dube
She joined Thutuka Youth in 2008, a training school founded by Clara Khumalo.
Coming from the streets of Esiqongweni Section in Thembisa, Nonhlanhla Dube (24), an actress, musician and an aspiring director, turns heads wherever she goes.
If one would ask about Dube, the only answer they would get is that she is the queen of arts and music.
“I realised that music and art run through my blood. It is something I have always wanted. Back in primary school, I used to sing at assembly and was not shy about it,” said Dube.
Dube was born and bred in Thembisa. She joined Thutuka Youth in 2008, a training school founded by Clara Khumalo.
Dube chose to pursue arts at school and participated in a community project that specialised in traditional art called happy hearts.
She adds that hearing her songs, such as amaphupho, playing on the radio can be best described as a breakthrough for her career.
“I believe I am still waiting for my big breakthrough by reaching out to the broader audience locally and worldwide,” added Dube.
Her first production Ubiziwe was part of the Soweto Arts Festival. She was celebrated as the best actress in the production. She also featured in another production where she was, yet again, honoured as best actress and best vocalist.
This is where her acting skills slowly developed for the better and she got opportunities from the Gifter Ngobeni Organisation. She had a position in Mzansi Fela Festival which led her to be awarded best actress in 2013.
She also featured in the another production Bloody Kraal in 2014 and has associated with the likes of Mxolisi Masilela, Kenneth Mphahlele, Sibusiso Quintana, Karima Kemmer and Franco Prinsloo, just to mention a few.
“Art is about creating and leaving a statement, so my desire is to always leave a mark and create that statement,” said Dube.
She represented the country in 2018 during the South African and Chinese diplomatic relations in Beijing, China.
She aspires to inspire those around her and groom them to become the best. She is a phenomenal being, and having accomplished a lot in a short period of time, she remains humble and determined.
“I want to see myself being able to grant an opportunity to up-and-coming talented young people,” added Dube.
