Sonwa Sakuba – Executive & Artistic Director
Sonwa Sakuba is a multi-award-winning South African performing artist, director, choreographer, producer, educator, and founder of the Sonwa Sakuba Institute for the Performing Arts. He is celebrated for his work in developing world-class performers and producing compelling, socially conscious theatre.
Driven by a passion for storytelling and movement, Sonwa graduated top of his class from the Waterfront Theatre School, earning his triple-threat qualifications in dance, singing, and acting. He also holds professional teaching qualifications in Modern and Tap from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) in London.
Following his training in Cape Town, Sonwa was awarded scholarships to further his craft in New York City, studying at prestigious institutions such as the Alvin Ailey School, Martha Graham Center, and Broadway Dance Center. He interned at the Martha Graham Dance Company and was mentored by world-renowned artists including Danielle Polanco, Yanis Marshall, and Rachel Rak.
In 2018, he served as dance captain in the off-Broadway production of Cry-Baby the Musical. His performance résumé includes national and international productions like The Lion King, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hairspray, West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Footloose, and Guys and Dolls, as well as commercial and TV appearances for Estée Lauder, Hectic Nine9, Signal High, British Airways, and Netflix (Blood Drive).
As a director, choreographer and producer, Sakuba has led numerous celebrated productions. His original works and adaptations of Buzani Kubawo, Sarafina!, Woza Albert, All You Need is Love, Shrek The Musical, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Moana, Once On This Island, Till Death Do Us Apart, The Jungle Book, and Afrika Sings: The Late Legends (to name a few) have toured nationally and sold out festival houses.
At the National Arts Festival, his productions have earned multiple Ovation Awards, including for Afrika Sings, Dear Tata… What Makes a Man a Man, Abangoni, as well as his bold and emotionally charged production of Sarafina! which once again affirmed his creative leadership and ability to bring large-scale ensemble work to life.
In 2020, he founded the Sonwa Sakuba Institute for the Performing Arts, a first-of-its-kind full-time training programme in the Eastern Cape, followed by the institution’s expansion to Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2026. Sakuba’s commitment to excellence and access has earned him widespread recognition, including Best Choreographer (Eastern Cape Cultural Awards), an MEC Special Award for Performing Arts, and a place on News24’s list of “Young Mandelas of the Future” for his role in social transformation through the arts.
A visionary leader and bridge builder, Sonwa Sakuba continues to transform lives through powerful performance, rigorous training, and bold storytelling. His work remains rooted in cultural authenticity, creative excellence, and a deep commitment to uplifting his community through the performing arts.
