A young resident from the rural Tshamutavha village outside Thohoyandou has beaten the odds and is quickly making a name for himself in the creative arts industry.
Emmanuel Calvor Sigebe's passion for the creative arts dates back to his high school days, where he began content creation. He later studied public relations at a college in Gauteng, after which he pursued a career in acting, working on projects such as Gomora, Diep City, Way Back, and Gold Digger, among others.
The experiences he gained not only honed his craft but also deepened his understanding of the entertainment industry. All along, he cherished a dream of owning his own production house.
After some encouragement from a Gold Digger colleague, his dream became a reality, leading to the founding of his production company, Sobonana. "My company focuses on uplifting local talent and showcasing African cultures. Our debut project, Sobonana, is a TV drama series that is ready for broadcast. My journey was not a walk in the park. It was marked by financial struggles, failed collaborations, and exploitation. However, I persevered, learning to work hard, trust in my abilities, and seek guidance from others," he said.
According to Sigebe, these experiences taught him valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people.
The Sobonana show features a talented cast, including Chwayita Mayekiso, Naledi Matotong, Thabiso Motsweni, S'thethelelo Mhlongo, Phanuel Gumede, Howard Phill, Nkosi Buhle, and Thulani Kunene. It is a testament to the power of African storytelling and the incredible talent that exists on our continent.
"We have goals and aspirations for the series. My goal is for Sobonana to become a beloved, long-running show, entertaining and inspiring audiences for generations. In five years, I aim to employ over 200 people, reach 5 million viewers, and collaborate on an action movie that showcases South African talent. I am committed to using my platform to promote African excellence and provide opportunities for emerging artists," Sigebe said.