Broadacres resident puts South Africa on the map
BROADACRES – He is only 13 years old but is already making waves in the entertainment industry. Find out which local resident is setting his acting dream alight.
At only 13 years old, Broadacres resident Diolan Govender is an actor, dancer, emcee, model and motivational speaker who is committed to taking his talents to the international stage.
Govender said, “Growing up I was extremely shy, and at the age of five my parents were fed up with me not interacting with other people and so they sent me to drama school.”
After eight years of honing his craft, Govender decided that this was the career he wanted to follow. “I remember telling my teacher that this is what I want to do – a passion had just grown inside of me.”
From then on, Govender’s career blossomed.
Govender explained that his international career only started when his agent, Zelda van den Berg, forwarded him to the Summer Heat Model and Talent search where he was scouted by Lebo Ndlovu from Just You Model and Artist Management.
Govender then received a call back in 2013 to attend Kim Myers’ showcase called the Applause Rising International Talent Showcase in Orlando, Florida.
The following year, he attended the ARTS in Orlando Florida, an event where top casting directors find new talent and he received 12 call backs from the likes of Disney and the Nickelodeon channel.
As a result, Govender received the opportunity to perform with mega stars, Abbie Cobb and Matthew Scott Montgomery from Disney channel’s So Random and Starstruck, among others.
To top it off, Govender received a scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy which he used to his advantage in June last year.
He has also received four international awards ranging from Top 10 Dancing, Top 10 Improvisation and The ARTS Medal.
However, the highlight of his career has been receiving two castings with the Disney channel.
“It was amazing to get this opportunity and I hope I can relocate to America. I am extremely passionate about the Disney channel and it is something I am working towards. It would definitely be the highlight of my career,” Govender said.
He urged all aspiring actors and dancers to never let rejection get in the way of their dreams, “If you can’t take rejection then get out of the industry! It is all about the experience, enjoy it – keep on pushing yourself and get an agent. Never just sit at home and dream, go out there and really achieve your dreams.”
