Joined this week by the Nigerian celebrity power couple Osas Ajibade and Gbenro Ajibade, the Top Actor Africa contestants had their acting abilities stretched to the limit as they performed iconic Shakespearean monologues in full period costume, in front of a distracted poolside audience.
While contestants like Shamilla Miller impressed the guest judges, Gakuo struggled to immerse herself in the challenge and was overwhelmed after forgetting her lines. It all proved too much to bear for the 23-year-old, and she walked off without completing her performance.
“I'm sad that I've left the show, but from the short time that I have been part of the ensemble, I have grown as an individual and as an actress. I am also grateful for the opportunity that I was given, not only to explore the potential I have but also to experience the diverse cultures of South Africa. Through Top Actor Africa, I learned that being an actress is not easy, but the idea is to keep pushing and believing in yourself,” says Gakuo.
The remaining eight aspirants aiming to claim the Top Actor Africa title are: Shamilla Miller (South Africa), Farrell Drew (South Africa), Marilyn Sekgapane (South Africa), Jesse Suntele (South Africa), Alex Khayo (Kenya), Tobechi Nneji (Nigeria), Uriel Oputa (Nigeria) and Ifeanyi Dike (Nigeria).
Tune in to the next episode of Top Actor Africa on Tuesday, 5 April at 19:30 on BET, channel 129 on DStv when South African celebrity power couple Sans Moonsamy and Kerusha Kisten serve as guest judges. In this episode, the contestants are challenged when they have to channel their funny bone professionally and spontaneously. Moonsamy and Kisten direct the cast on set with a jam session of acting scene scenarios, and the pressure of it all leaves some of the contestants falling ?at on their faces.