SA jazz vocalist Naledi Masilo, who is based in Boston, US, has been nominated in the 50th Annual Vivian Robinson Audelco Recognition Awards.
Masilo, who studied in the US, received a nomination for her role in the musical theatre show about late music legend Miriam Makeba, Dreaming Zenzile.
The musical is written by Somi Kakoma and has scored eight nominations. .
Dreaming Zenzile shines in categories like Director of a Musical, Choreographer, Outstanding Musical Director, Featured Actor in a Musical (Masilo's nomination), Featured Actress in a Musical, Lead Actor in a Musical, Lead Actress in A Musical and Best Musical, among others.
The musical has been showing at different theatres around the US.
Masilo plays the role of Bongi Makeba-Lee, Makeba's only daughter, who is also deceased.
She told Sowetan: “It was such a surprise to be nominated and recognised for this work which we spoke about last year around this time.
“I'm very honoured to have my name amongst all the other phenomenal theatre professionals, especially because it was me playing a role that is so important to me and integral to my identity. Also having Mama Miriam's name on the list is beautiful!.
“I wouldn’t be who I am without stories like hers, so anything that comes is not my own, but a recognition of my ancestors in this realm. I will be in South Africa this December touring and performing some of her music and my own. I’m really excited to be coming home singing for the first time since I left and honouring that journey,” said Masilo.
Another show, Mandela, about the life of global icon and former statesman Nelson Mandela, is also nominated.
Written by Laiona Michelle, the show received three nominations and features actors like Malika Nzinga, who is also a nominee.
The awards were established to promote and recognise the arts in the African-American community.
The 50th Annual Vivian Robinson Audelco Recognition Awards will take place on November 28 at Tribeca Performing Arts Centre in New York.
bambalelep@sowetan.co.za
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