Actor embraces community
Acting is in his blood and he looks forward to keeping his audiences entertained every time he appears on the stage
POLOKWANE – Acting is in his blood and he looks forward to keeping his audiences entertained every time he appears on the stage, says Joseph Setumu.
Setumu (28) was born in Moime village, Tzaneen. He completed his matric in 2005 and furthered his studies at the University of Limpopo where he studied for a LLB degree.
In 2009 he attended the Paul Rapetsoa’s Institute of Dramatic Arts (PRIDA) as a performing arts student and also freelanced at Turf FM as a radio drama actor during his final year in 2010.
“After graduating in performing arts, I started working as a stage actor and script writer at HT media and communications for one year, then I co-initiated Wake Up Productions,” he says.
In 2011 he joined an amalgamated PRIDA and Mahuma arts and communication for five months, followed by a one-year AIPSA diploma (insolvency diploma) at the University of Pretoria.
“In 2012 the Wake Up Productions initiative came into operation and I started to work as the deputy chairperson and production manager.
“On the side I still freelanced with a stint at the Rising Sun Theatre Production as an actor and artistic manager.
“The next year I participated in the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and in an Ashifa Shabba film production project. I also served as a delegate in the Polokwane film festival hosted by NYDA and Ashifa entertainment,” he adds.
Last year Setumu was appointed as deputy chairperson in the municipal level at the Limpopo federation of community arts centre.
“I was honoured to be elected as an additional committee member in the Lepelle Nkumpi community arts council serving as a coordinator and later contributed some of my time as a volunteer in the Lebowakgomo SAPS youth against crime initiative.”
Setumu currently scouts, signs, manages and promotes performing artists under his own entertainment label, called Sdumo Entertainment.
