International not impossible for ‘KZN baby’, Nqobile

For rising star, Nqobile Hlekwayo, the opportunity to showcase her talent in America is not just a great step for her, but an ideal platform to inspire others too.

This talented young model and actress will travel to Florida in the USA in July, after being scouted by talent show, the Applause Rising Talent Showcase (ARTS), in October last year.

Nqobile contacted the Vryheid Herald recently, to share her achievement with readers and expressed hope that her success would inspire the youth to follow their dreams and pursue their passions. Currently residing in Durban, Nqobile explained she is ‘more of a KZN baby than a one-town girl’.

“I had the privilege of being born into a family that is scattered all over KwaZulu-Natal so much, I have moved from one town to another, and also have studied in three towns in KZN, namely Vryheid, Newcastle and now Durban. I have always been an outspoken, charismatic and talented child, who was involved in every play in church or dance group in any of the towns. I have also modelled in most of the competitions, where in the last one I was crowned first princess.”

Nqobile attended Thuthukani Creche (oSizweni, Newcastle) and Hlobane Primary School (Vaalbank), before transferring to Panorama Combined School in Newcastle, where she eventually matriculated.

“I am currently enrolled at the Durban University of Technology in Applications Development [Information and Technology], popularly known as IT.”

When asked what led her to pursue acting and modelling as a career, Nqobile stated, “I have always been an active child in most community and church activities. There was however, one specific play I did at church in 2009. I remember it so vividly – I was the main character and to see how impressed everyone was, so much that to this day, they still use the name of that character, made me realise how much I needed to take my acting career seriously. I am grateful for the opportunities and the love I have from my church family as well.”
How does her family feel about her career choice?

“Surprisingly, my parents are ‘old school’ but really super supportive. I know whenever I need people who will support me, be honest and have my back, I can truly count on my family.”

Nqobile explained the process that got her to where she is today – on her way to America to make a name for herself: “I had to first audition for the International Arts Talent Showcase (IATS) last year in February, which is where I got the call back from Regional Director, Elsubie Verlinden. The callback allowed me the amazing opportunity to audition in front of international talent scouts, ARTS Director, Kimberly D Myers, along with Rhavynn Drummer from Tyler Perry Studios, who personally handpicked talents for the ARTS Showcase.”

Nqobile said she was extremely excited at the opportunity, and could hardly wait to showcase her talents. “This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I do believe this opportunity will open up bigger doors for me in South Africa as well.”

In Nqobile’s invitation letter from Kim Myers, she is advised: “Take great pride in knowing you are among the very best! This will offer a once in a lifetime opportunity, and expect you will work very hard to make this become a reality! The ARTS will bring you face to face with industry professionals throughout the world! ARTS participants and parents will experience seven days of the ultimate level of industry exposure. We dream big with you, and allow you to experience first-hand international is not impossible!”

Also read: Vryheid youth to star in musical on the life of Zulu king at National Arts Festival

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