Dawson approached the 21-year-old final-year Wits University student after the show, and before he knew it, he was rehearsing for a Christmas carol concert unlike any the city has seen before.
Mahaka-Phiri will join singers Cito, Pixie Bennett, Tracey-Lee Oliver and the 17-piece Johannesburg Big Band on stage at Gold Reef City’s Lyric Theatre for Swingin’ Christmas later this month.
“I have a passion for theatre, I love Shakespeare, and have just completed a BA in dramatic arts. My involvement in musical theatre happened by accident. Friends suggested I join a musical theatre course at university which didn’t form part of my degree. It was lots of fun, and I just fell into it,” he said.
Mahaka-Phiri described his sudden introduction to professional theatre as “intense and challenging”.
“I’ve been watching how the other vocalists operate, which in itself has been a new experience. They’re very different to students, and have been very supportive,” he said.
“I’ve found it challenging. I’ve constantly asked myself if I’m on par with the other singers, and have had to keep reminding myself to believe in myself. I wouldn’t be there if they didn’t see something in me.”
Mahaka-Phiri hasn’t found support only in Dawson and Cito. He said his mother was bursting with pride at his achievement.
“My mom and I were driving to Rosebank when she spotted a poster for the show. She started laughing and clapping with joy, and I had to tell her to put her hands back on the steering wheel before we had an accident,” he said with a laugh.
“My dad’s more business-minded. When I told him I was going to be in the show, the first thing he asked me was how much I would be paid, and whether or not I had signed a contract.”
Mahaka-Phiri said he had no concrete plans beyond wowing the audience with Christmas classics like Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty the Snowman, Winter Wonderland and Have Yourself a Merry Christmas.
“I want to get a master’s degree and teach, but I can also see myself doing TV and film. I’m happy to wait and see what December brings.”
Swingin’ Christmas is on for one night only on 30 November at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, at 8pm.
Details: 011 248 5000; www.computicket.com
