On a quick telephone conversation, right before their debut performance of “Calling Us Home – The Musical”, Thokozani Jiyane (TK), gave us an exclusive insight into his world – personal and professional and how he relates to his “brotherly” character Nelson.
“I am one of 9 siblings – No 7th in fact. My mother was a single parent, so I quickly had to learn to help, take care of and help raise 6 other siblings. The same as Nelson, his Father (the King of the tribe) passed away quite quickly and he had to rise and step up to lead the tribe. However, things got out of hand in the county and in order to protect his family and the tribe, he sent his sister (the princess) away to protect her and he gathered the tribe’s troops to go to war.”
Speaking to TK was comfortable, almost as if we knew each other for years. The purity of his voice, his authenticity, and his unique sense of humor, made for a very good conversation. “Calling Us Home is about finding one’s own way. Finding “home”. That means a lot of different things, for a lot of different people. Destiny ends up being different from what you dream sometimes. I wanted to study drama at first, however opted for musical theatre instead!” he answers when asked about why he chose the musical theatre industry.
“I’m just very grateful and so ecstatic to be part of a world class production, a world class cast and to show the world what great and extra-ordinary talent we have in South Africa.”
One of the colourful scenes from “Calling Us Home” The Musical.
TK also celebrates his 5th year in marriage this year, with a 13-month-old toddler and another one on the way, he’s in a place of “home” and wanted to make sure that he has his family with him, wherever he goes – because his family IS his home.
Calling Us Home – The Musical, is a story of hope, a story of love and a story of home. TK sure lived up to his role as NELSON the Crown Prince, the son and Brother. However, the role he enjoys the most is as TK – the Husband and father to his children.
The world premiere of “Calling Us Home – The Musical” debuted at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town on 15 February 2023.
If you’ve missed it – we have an exclusive behind-the-scenes-glimpse you can watch HERE:
Keep an eye out for the next leg of their world journey, which we will share with you as soon as it hits our inboxes!
- Juan Martin – Lifestyle Host and Media Correspondent – GaloreSA Media VIP Black Carpet
