Zim’s 12-year-old London star. . . plays ‘Nala’ in Lion King Musical

30 Jul, 2017 - 00:07 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

Bryan Zhawi, NUST
At only the age of 12 Hazel Cheuka has already done much in the fast growing industry of art. The pre-teen youngster caught up with the SUNDAYMAIL Bridge reporter Bryan Zhawi in an interview which she opened more about her art life and the UK’s Teen Stars talent search show. Hazel Cheuka is currently under the Adele Peters Performing Arts School. The UK based girl who is exceptional in singing, modelling and acting is also representing Zimbabwe at the upcoming World Championship Of Performing Arts in Hollywood, United States of America. Read more…

BZ: To kick things off, can you tell us who Hazel Cheuka is?

HC: Hazel Cheuka is a 12 year old multi-talented girl living with her mother Lucy in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire UK. Hazel has had a number of acting roles including playing young ‘Nala’ in the iconic Lion King Musical in London’s the West End. Hazel recently auditioned for Teen Stars along with many other talented acts. She won her way through to the grand finale of the U.K’s only singing and dancing competition exclusively for teens and pre-teens.

BZ: When did you fall in love with art- Singing, dancing and modelling?

HC: From the age of 4 years. I have always enjoyed dancing and singing. As for modelling, It was a late self-discovery.

BZ: How important is art in your life?

HC: It’s very important to me as I see myself as an actress and singer in the future. Education is as much important as well. I’m now a grand finalist and its an exciting feeling as well as a stepping stone to consider.

BZ: Soon you will be starting you will be starting your Year 9 at Tring Park Performance Arts school. Do you want to pursue in art as a career?

HC: Yes! Already I have reached what I call remarkable heights in the art industry. It opened some avenues which I never dreamt of such as featuring in adverts.

BZ: Recently you made headlines as you became a grand finalist in the UK Teen Star competition. What does that mean to you?

HC: It’s been a tough journey which I have made to the end. It’s a good sign that hard work pays and indeed I’m really excited for such an achievement of being the first Zimbabwean to be a grand finalist in UK’s Teen Star competition.

BZ: You got an offer at the Disney Club School you once featured in the award winning Lion King. How has that contributed to your journey to the finals of UK Teen Star competition?

HC: As young Nala at the multi award winning Disney’s lion King, I learnt a lot in terms of stage performance, singing and acting. This has helped a lot in gaining confidence and stage presence. It made it easy for me to execute during my round stages performances during the competition.

BZ: Are you looking forward to be the first Zimbabwean to win this competition. If yes, how best are preparing towards it?

HC: I am happy and proud of myself that I have got to where I am now. I think I have already won by being at this stage. I’m just going there to enjoy my performance, and obviously give it my best shot. My mom always says every performance I have to give it my best shot, you never know who is watching.

BZ: Who inspires you?

HC: Beyoncé. I do love to be as big as Beyoncé is in the art industry.

BZ: If there was no modelling, singing and dancing, what else would you be doing?

HC: Writer, I enjoy reading books. Since I hold a great voice I believe that I can as well do poetry.

BZ: In a few words, describe what art means in your life at this stage?

HC: Being creative, unique, enjoy what you do, and do it differently from anyone else. We are all talented in different ways.

BZ: Any Zimbabwean artist you dream working with on the same project?

HC: Oh! Cynthia Mare I like her music and we once had a good encounter the first time we met.

BZ: Which one would be your ultimate Zimbabwean Arts to Perform at?

HC: Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA). I follow it on social media and it looks so interesting.

BZ: What would you say to all teens out there who want their names to be called out at such big platforms?

HC: Never doubt yourselves but doubt your doubts. Only believe in yourself and never give up on achieving that goal you have.

BZ: Lastly, where can people follow you mostly on your acts at the upcoming World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood representing Zimbabwe?

HC: You may follow all my updates on Instagram and Facebook. Hazel Cheuka is the profile username.

Students, YOU CAN SEND YOUR ARTICLES THROUGH E-MAIL, FACEBOOK, WHATSAPP or TEXT Just app Charles Mushinga on 0772936678 or send your articles, pictures, poetry, art . . . to Charles Mushinga at [email protected] or [email protected] or follow Charles Mushinga on Facebook or @charlesmushinga on Twitter. You can also post articles to The Sunday Mail Bridge, PO Box 396, Harare or call 0772936678.

 

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