Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
AUSTRALIAN actress and musician, Ruva Ngwenya, who starred as Tina Turner in “Tina: The Musical”, says her grand mission is to win an Oscar.
She has just won the Trailblazer of the Year award at the Amari Gala in Australia
Amari Gala is a platform that celebrates the achievements of the young Black Diaspora in Australia, recognising excellence in various fields such as content creation, music, art and sport.
Ruva beat Dr Stephane Shepherd, Santilla Chingaipe and Pola Practice to the award.
Ruva’s musical instincts pay homage to her Zimbabwean heritage.
The 32-year-old was born in Melbourne.
“I’m so happy, I cannot believe that I won this incredible award. I’m very humbled and I’m very grateful, it means the world to me to be recognised by my own community.
“The world is my oyster, at this point Broadway, Grammys, I want it all, TV, I want it all, and I really want to make a name for myself.
“But, not only for me, but for my community Australia and Africans, I just want to make everybody proud.
“This award is going to sit right beside my bed, I will wake up looking at it,” she said.
Ruva is an acclaimed Australian performer renowned for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence.
Her role as Tina earned extraordinary reviews which solidified her status as a leading figure in musical theatre.
Her portrayal of Tina not only showcased her exceptional talent but also contributed to greater representation of diverse artists in mainstream theatre, embodying the essence of a trailblazer.
Ruva has been gracing Australian stages since her early years with her first professional role cominh in 2013 as Shenzi in The Lion King.
Her musical instincts pay homage to her Zimbabwean heritage.
Ruva has performed in a string of successful musicals − We Will Rock You, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ragtime and Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Ngwenya’s connection to Tina Turner’s music runs deep, citing Turner’s songs as an inspiration for her own career in musical theatre.
When Ngwenya performed “River Deep − Mountain High” in a school musical at 15, it sparked her passion for performing.
Tina Turner died May 24, 2023
She was one of the world’s best-selling artists of all-time.
She won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows were seen by millions.
When she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October, 2021, Tina Turner became one of only three women in the institution’s history to be inducted twice.
Mathew Masinge