Uganda’s Valentino Kabenge set to showcase acting skills in Nigeria

Celebrity Gig

Known primarily for his role as a Latin dancer and choreographer on the hit NTV show “Dance with Valentino,” Kabenge has been gradually sharpening his acting abilities. His journey into acting intensified last year when he enrolled in an online masterclass taught by Stella Damasus, whom he cites as his biggest childhood inspiration.

“Growing up I used to watch a lot of Nigerian movies on Top TV 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,” Valentino shared.

The talent showcase, scheduled for Saturday, June 15th, 2024, will provide Valentino and the other five performers, along with dozens of other actors, the chance to perform and network with some of the industry’s most influential figures, including directors, producers, agents, and casting directors.

I look at this as an opener for different collaborations and projects in Nigeria,” Valentino stated, adding that he admires “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’s involvement in the Ugandan entertainment industry includes appearances in major music videos such as Winnie Nwagi’s 2019 hit song “Jangu,” Rema Namakula’s “Touch My Body”, and Iryn Namubiru’s recent “Tegutta.”

Born in Kyebando, a Kampala suburb. Valentino started fending for himself as a young boy when he left school in lower secondary. He did odd jobs including grazing cattle.

While working at a food court at the National Theater, he became interested in acting and started going for auditions. In 2015 he landed his first gig on “Do Mess with Kansiime.”

Learning fast and picking up skills, he started landing gigs to dance at weddings and other formal functions; while promoting himself on social media.

In 2018 he was approached by Rema Namakula for the Touch My Body video and later cast for the Jangu Music Video by Winnie Nwagi.

His biggest break was in 2020 when he appeared on NTV’s Mwasuze Mutya, giving rise to the idea of the “Dance With Valentino TV” show, in which celebrities were invited to tell real-life stories, while his team of choreographers came up with a dance routine to tell that story.

After the season ended, Valentino embarked on further dance lessons in Cape Town, South Africa and the UK.

By last year, his love for acting was revived, which is how he got to connect with Stella.

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