Lorna Maseko - Biography, Career and Bibliography

Lorna Maseko, a prominent South African figure, has made significant strides across various fields, establishing herself as a media personality, chef, dancer, and choreographer. Despite her humble beginnings, Maseko's journey is marked by resilience, passion, and a commitment to excellence.

In addition to her roles as a presenter, MC, ballet dancer, and choreographer, Maseko serves as the Managing Director of Fabulous Production, showcasing her versatility and leadership in the entertainment industry. Her remarkable ascent to become one of South Africa's most influential women is a testament to her inspiring story.

Maseko's talent and dynamic energy have positioned her as a force to be reckoned with. She gained recognition by reaching the final top 12 in the search for the Top Billing Presenter and was acknowledged by True Love Magazine as the November Woman In Action in 2007. Her achievements underscore the impact of hard work and determination in realizing success.

Hailing from a humble background did not stifle Maseko's dreams; instead, it fueled her aspirations. Notably, she earned acclaim as the best black female ballet dancer in South Africa and received accolades as an award-winning author. Her career has become a beacon of inspiration for many young South Africans, encouraging them to strive for success irrespective of their circumstances.

Beyond her accomplishments, Maseko extends her influence to the culinary realm, hosting the cooking show "The Hostess with Lorna Maseko." Her multifaceted career and commitment to excellence have solidified her status as one of the most influential and admired celebrities in South Africa, embodying qualities of beauty, grace, and unparalleled talent.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 3, 1983, Lorna Maseko spent her early years in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra. Her family background was modest, with her mother working as a receptionist and her father as a taxi driver. Growing up, Maseko shared her childhood with an older brother and two younger sisters.

Her journey into the world of ballet began at the age of nine, guided by the tutelage of Martin Schonberg, where she qualified in the Cecchetti method. Despite the challenges that often accompany a humble upbringing, Maseko's early exposure to ballet laid the foundation for her future accomplishments.

In pursuit of academic excellence, Maseko enrolled in a Bachelor of Communications program at the University of South Africa. Her academic journey was complemented by a deepening interest in the culinary arts, leading her to complete a year-long culinary course. This diverse educational background hinted at the multi-faceted career that would unfold in the years to come.

Career

Lorna Maseko's journey into the world of dance dominated her early professional years until approximately the age of 25. Her talent took her on tours from a young age, and at 16, she even competed in the prestigious Prix de Lausanne. In 2005, Maseko achieved a significant milestone by becoming the premier black ballerina in South Africa. Her contributions to the arts extended to theatrical performances, where she portrayed notable roles such as Kitri in the Pretoria production of Don Quixote in 2007 and the titular role of Carmen in 2009, marking her return to the stage 18 months after leaving the South African Ballet Theatre.

Transitioning to television, Maseko took on various roles, including presenting and producing Afro Showbiz News and The Weekender for SABC. Her presence on the small screen was highlighted by her participation in the 2006 season of Top Billing, where she later returned as a presenter in 2010. In recognition of her achievements, True Love Magazine honored her as the November Woman In Action in 2007.

Her television career diversified further, with roles as a judge on the South African version of So You Think You Can Dance in 2013, a contestant on the e.tv series I Love South Africa in 2014, and an appearance in season 2 of the music talk show Zaziwa.

The culinary world beckoned in 2015 when Maseko competed in the Celebrity edition of MasterChef South Africa. This experience ignited her passion for cooking, leading to her hosting the 2016 cooking reality series Top Chef SA. In 2017, she secured her own cooking series, The Hostess with Lorna Maseko on SABC3. The culinary ventures continued with the opening of The Bread Basket in Morningside Shopping Centre, though she no longer owns it.

Maseko's influence expanded globally in 2019. She graced the cover of Women's Health, hosted the World Restaurant Awards in Paris, served as a guest speaker at TEDxKedgeBS at KEDGE Business School's Marseille campus, contributed to EAT Forum in Stockholm, and participated in Taste of London and Taste of Dubai.

A significant milestone in her career came with the publication of her first cookbook, Celebrate with Lorna Maseko, in September 2019. The book received acclaim, winning best celebrity chef cookbook and best international cookbook at the 2020 Gourmand Awards. She also became an ambassador for the beauty brand Justine.

Lorna’s Presenting Career

In addition to her culinary prowess, Lorna Maseko has established herself as a prominent presenter in the entertainment industry. She showcased her presenting and producing skills on the Afro Showbiz News, an entertainment program where she played a pivotal role both in front of and behind the camera.

Lorna's expertise in anchoring extends to high-profile events, where she addressed audiences at the Global Citizen Dinner SDG2 and took charge of the VIP Lounge at DStv's Delicious Fest in 2018. Her ability to connect with audiences and navigate diverse entertainment scenarios has earned her recognition as a skilled anchor by various online sources.

Maseko's presence in the presenting domain extends to a variety of popular shows, showcasing her versatility. Some of the notable shows she has been a part of include "I Love SA," "Top Billing," "Afternoon Express," "Expresso," "So You Think You Can Dance," and "Homegrown Taste SA." This diverse portfolio underscores her capability to engage audiences across different formats and themes.

Personal Life

In December 2010, Lorna Maseko entered into matrimony with Gcina “GC” Lukhele, a Joburg-based sales executive. The wedding, held at the Memoire wedding venue in Muldersdrift, was a festive celebration attended by 150 guests. The cosmopolitan mix of attendees prompted the couple to ensure everyone felt at ease during the church service, which included hymns performed by the Rivers Church band.

However, it seems that marital bliss was not everlasting for Lorna, as during the 2016 YOU Spectacular Awards, where she presented an award to rapper Emtee, she revealed that she was a recent divorcee and open to a new relationship. Her humorous and candid nature shone through when she expressed readiness to pursue a relationship with the award show's host, Ann Hirsch.

In a July 2016 interview with Sowetan LIVE, Lorna straightforwardly declared her single status, emphasizing her availability for mingling. Subsequently, rumors surrounding Lorna Maseko and Floyd Shivambu began circulating in 2019 when they were spotted together in Melrose Arch. The gossip gained traction, especially amid reports suggesting trouble in Shivambu's marriage to Siphesihle Pezi.

The situation escalated in September 2020 when a Sunday newspaper report claimed that Lorna was pregnant with Shivambu's child. While she refuted the pregnancy claims, she did not deny the speculation surrounding her relationship with Shivambu, leaving their status open to interpretation.

Bibliography

·         Celebrate with Lorna Maseko (2019)

Awards

Lorna Maseko's successful career has been marked by notable recognition and awards, showcasing her diverse talents. In 2021, she received nominations in multiple categories, including "Best Food Program – Online and Streaming," "Best Drink or Beverage Program," and "Best Social Media Short Video." This acknowledgment reflects her impact and influence in the culinary and media spheres.

In 2020, her cookbook, "Celebrate with Lorna Maseko," achieved significant acclaim by winning two prestigious awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. The book was honored as the "Best Celebrity Cookbook" and the "Best International Cookbook," underscoring Lorna's culinary expertise and storytelling prowess. These accolades not only acknowledge her skills in the kitchen but also highlight her ability to connect with a global audience through her culinary creations.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorna_Maseko

https://briefly.co.za/27477-lorna-maseko-biography-age-husband-wedding-divorce-instagram.html