From the stage to the screen, South African performer Lynelle Kenned has wowed audiences and judges across the world. Christi Nortier caught up with the trailblazer about everything from what awards really mean to an artist to why we should all go camping in Namibia.
Lynelle Kenned is way more than a typical triple threat. Not only can she sing and dance and act, she’s also a dynamic presenter both on and off the screen. The award-winning performer started her career as an opera singer, but soon landed leading roles in musicals such as West Side Story and The Sound of Music.
At ease both on stage and on set, Lynelle has been booked as a presenter for TV shows Pasella and 123 Fixit and been invited to MC some of the country’s top awards ceremonies. Somewhere in her busy schedule, she has also managed to fit in bookings for commercials and joined the cast of several films. We pinned her down for a few minutes to find out where she finds her drive…
What drew you to a career in the performing arts?
I grew up around music. When I was 17, I was a member of the South African Youth Choir, and was formally exposed to classical music. I saw what was possible on stage and realised that there were people who had been able to make it their career. I was immediately drawn to the idea. I enrolled in the UCT Opera School and qualified as a classical and opera singer. My career evolved quite organically after I graduated. I don’t limit myself to being an opera singer – I am a multidisciplinary performing artist.
How did your parents respond to your conviction to follow your dream?
I was fortunate that my parents recognised my natural talent for music. They nurtured that in me from a young age, signing me up for music lessons as soon as I started school. My folks knew that once I committed to something, no matter the field, I would do my best to make a success of it. They were also very mindful that I would be exposed to opportunities that their generation could not easily access. I have always had their full support, for which I am incredibly grateful.
You are master of many creative disciplines. How do you juggle them all?Do you have a favourite?
That’s difficult to answer! I thrive off the variety and creative stimulation of various disciplines. If I had to pick one, it would definitely be music. Of course there’s a thrill that comes from being in front of an audience. But there is also an immense sense of satisfaction in working at something over and over again in a rehearsal room and it suddenly comes together for the first time.
There are definitely plenty of challenges when it comes to moving between different disciplines without dropping the ball. I have been freelancing for 10 years, and it’s a skill I have refined over time. I’ve put in the hours required to establish a reputation. I consider myself lucky to be in demand as an artist. My challenge now is to learn how to say ‘no’. I’ve come close to burnout a few times. Balance is extremely important. I now have the help of two agents who help me manage my performance schedule, as well as my time off.
You have received many awards for your performances. What do they mean to you?
The work itself is extremely satisfying. Awards and accolades may seem like the cherry on top, but they are very subjective. You shouldn’t base your worth as an artist on those types of merits. Having said that, I felt extremely validated when I became an honorary recipient of the Kunste Onbeperk Young Voice award at the Klein Karoo National Festival in 2019.
That night my name was up there among the likes of Amanda Strydom, Athol Fugard and Lizz Meiring. The fact that the award recognised not just one production, but my entire body of work, reassured me that I had made the right choice in my career and that what I do brings meaning to people.
When I was growing up in Paarl, I got a lot of experience and mentorship through entering a local talent competition, The Global Talent Spotlight Search. In 2022, I was one of two honorees they recognised for representing the community. It was incredibly special to return to my roots and the community that played such a big role in shaping who I am and being recognised in that way.
Has it become easier to represent your community in the arts?
We’re living in a time where things are transforming quite quickly. These days casting is colour-blind and based on merit rather than a specific aesthetic brief. This has led to many more opportunities for equal representation.
When I started out 10 years ago, there were roles I knew I could execute vocally, but I wasn’t always given the opportunity to audition. In 2016, I was cast as Maria in a production of The Sound of Music at the Durban Playhouse Theatre. It was a special experience to be part of a multi-racial cast telling a timeless story about the importance of values.
What, for you, is a balanced life?
I am a bit of a workaholic, but I have realised that I want to create more space for rest, relaxation, pleasure, connection and travel. I want to just ‘be’. Last year, travelled to Turkey with a friend and taking time out was pure bliss.
As much as I love the extravagance of performance – the gowns, the make-up, the hair – deep down I’m just a farm girl with a small dose of ‘hippy’. Recently, I spent two weeks in Namibia, camping with my boyfriend. We knew we had a start and an end date, but everything in between was spontaneous. I want to do more of that!
Words by Christi Nortier
