Dancer Valentino set to shine at Nigerian talent showcase

Dancer and actor Valentino Richard Kabenge is set to take part in an acting talent show on Saturday, June 15, in Lagos, Nigeria.

On Wednesday, June 12, Valentino, along with five other individuals, was selected to participate in a talent showcase hosted by An Actors Playhouse, an acting training academy founded by veteran Nollywood actress Stella Damasus.

Lagos, being a vibrant hub for entertainment in Africa, offers a diverse and dynamic audience that can further propel Valetentino's recognition and success in the industry through connecting with some of the most prominent industry professionals, including directors, producers, agents, and casting directors. 

In a one-on-one interview, Valentino talked of having ambitions beyond acting; he's aiming to collaborate with prominent figures in the Nigerian music scene. Specifically, he hopes to work alongside artistes such as Yemi Alade, Davido, and the Beninian songstress Angelique Kidjo. 

“I look at this as an opener for different collaborations and projects in Nigeria. I admire the Nigerians because of their assertiveness and how they go all out. My ambition is to create and extend my brand to Nigeria and to invite some of them to Uganda," Valentino said.

.Valentino, widely celebrated for his exceptional talent as a Latin dancer and choreographer, said Damasus is his biggest childhood inspiration. 

“Growing up, I used to watch a lot of Nigerian movies on Bukedde Television. This is why I sought out acting. Stella is one of the actresses that I admire. I especially loved her movies Romantic Attraction, Real Love, and Behind Closed Doors. I used to narrate her movies in primary school," he said.

Valentino said he joined her acting masterclass and studied online in 2023.

 Upon arrival in Nigeria, he described his first meeting with Damasus as "a big dream come true." 

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am in the presence of greatness, the legendary Nollywood’s @stelladamasus and I still don’t have the perfect reaction yet," Valentino posted on Instagram. 

How Valentino rose to prominence
Valentino has indeed made notable appearances in several prominent music videos in Uganda. Some of the notable ones include: Winnie Nwagi's Jangu (2020). He also appeared in Rema Namakula's Touch My Body. Most recently,  Valentino featured in the music video for Iryn Namubiru's song Tegutta.

Valentino expressed gratitude for the opportunities given to him by Rema Namakula, Winnie Nwagi, and Iryn Namubiru, which he said opened up his doors to fame.

"Today, my life has changed since I am getting a lot of gigs in this new career direction, and I am hoping for the best. Now I am moving countries, and I never expected it in my life. I am a poor man from a poor family background; I could not know that my talent would take me out until they showed my work to the world," Valentino said.

Nigerian actress Stella Damasus says about Valentino
In her phone interview on June 13, 2024, Damasus revealed that she is highly selective when choosing talents to collaborate with.

She emphasised that she has been closely following Valentino's works, and thoroughly reviewed all the song projects he has been involved in.

Additionally, she has attended his online music dance classes.

Damasus expressed admiration for Valentino's professionalism and creativity, believing that collaborating with him will not only enhance her own career but also bring valuable contributions to her artistic journey.

"I always followed Valentino's works in all the video projects he featured in to check on his potential and ability of talent. I always saw him in live shows and events while performing, and I liked his character . He is a real professional dancer and actor that Ugandans should embrace and appreciate. Valentino is worthy of celebrating because he has done something unique that can be sold internationally. Let me take this opportunity to let Ugandans know that Uganda is the source of pure talents; they are just in need of directing them to the better direction, and they will excel. Once these talents are well nurtured, they are enough to raise revenue for the government," Damasus said.