Prime
I sold fruits at National Theatre while looking for acting gigs-Valentino
UP-CLOSE. Richard Kabenge, alias, Valentino used to act with Ann Kansiime before finding his footing in dance. Valentino has featured in some Ugandan music videos, NTV series Power of Legacy and comedy clips. He describes himself as a believer, simple, sensitive, principled and a big dreamer. Isaac Ssejjombwe caught up with him about his firsts.
The first thing I do in the morning…
After waking up at 5am, I say my morning prayer that takes 30minutes or one hour.
The first thing I do when I get to work…
That depends on the mood of different locations or sets I am working on. Normally, I listen to a specific song in my heart.
Inspiration behind your love for dancing is...
Nothing, it was an interest I started at home and I found it interesting. How could one just move their body to tell different stories without speaking? Now, it is my second love after God because it has enabled me communicate to a big number of people in the world despite our cultural diversification.
My earliest childhood memory...
My confirmation day in 2005. The first time I had a nice green suit tailored for me. I was slaying at 11years and on that day, the queen of Buganda, her Majesty Sylvia Naginda, graced the event.
First best friend was...
Michael Ssempebwa, who I nicknamed Myka Oceans. We went to the same primary school (Bright Community Primary School) in 2003. We were so tight until we lost contact.
I remember my first kiss...
It was with Joan but I do not quite remember the details of the experience.
First childhood hero was...
My cousin Jane, she picked me up when I was hopeless and paid my school fees from Primary Four to Senior Two when she ran out of funds and then, I dropped out of school.
My first girlfriend...
Joan, we dated for close to two years then we called it quits.
Why?
I guess we were just not meant to be. And I will not say her second name, because I need to protect her from all this.
The first book I read...
I’m not an ardent reader and I have not concentrated on a particular book from beginning to end. Maybe, the Bible and the film scripts.
Best verse in the Bible...
John-3:16, ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’
First job...
I sold fruits at the National Theatre while I was looking for acting opportunities. It is then that I found Miriam, a friend who proposed to me to start working there to raise money for my daily transport and food.
My first salary was…
Shs3,000 a day.
Current job is…
Actor at NTV Power of Legacy. I am also a dance performer and trainer.
What I like about my job...
Being a voice of the voiceless. Art is powerful and the best language that has helped me raise a voice for the world.
What I dislike about it…
Being praised. I prefer the glory and honour being given back to God.
Most memorable experience...
The premier of Touch my body music video where I featured as a dancer. That evening was so magical to me, because it elevated my career and I’m forever grateful to Rema and the team. Oh and Marvin, the director did a phenomenal job.
Quick notes…
Biggest achievements in dance…
I have managed to share what I have with the world. Dance has mended souls, inspired many and given hope to the hopeless and to me that is what is most important. Through dance, I found my life purpose.
Biggest regret in life…
I have no regrets yet and I pray never to face any.
Projects featured in…
Touch my body by Rema, Master by Rebecca Jjingo, Natereza by Saha and Maro then some citizen TV comedy clips Don’t Mess with Kansiime.
