US actress Findley talks of love for ‘Sarafina!’ ahead of trip to SA

Having grown up inspired by the film Sarafina!, US actress Edwina Findley can’t wait to experience South Africa.

- Bonginkosi Tiwane

Findley is the keynote speaker at this year’s Fame Week Africa.

“I remember when I was maybe eight years old, I was obsessed with Sarafina!”

She told The Citizen how she was obsessed with singing the title song, written and performed by Hugh Masekela.

“I watched it over and over again. It was something so beautiful to me as a child, to see artistic expression bursting forth from the motherland,” she said.

“I remember being in my mom’s living room and just singing it over and over and doing the dances.

“And then it became a theatrical performance and I remember going to see it.

“I think I was in high school at that point…and going to see it on stage. Oh, and then I heard the soundtrack…it was like so seared in my bone.”

Findley said she used the Sarafina! soundtrack to prepare for some of the roles she’s played.

“As I prepare for roles in film and television, I tend to create soundtracks for my characters and that soundtrack I have used for multiple characters that I’ve played.

“That’s how deep it was for me. I’ve always had this strong vision and desire to perform in Africa.”

For two decades, Findley has captivated audiences, from her breakout role as Tosha Mitchell in