Seychellois actress stars in own series |21 December 2017

Aisha Annabelle Toussaint is a young Seychellois actress who stars in her own series on CBBC called ‘Raven’. She explains to Seychelles NATION how she got to the position she is in today and what drove her to take up acting as a career. This is a great example which she has set for Seychellois as she searched for her dream. Now she’s on her way to taking up other lead roles in the acting industry.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

A: Well I left Seychelles to go for a wedding at first, but then we ended up living in Scotland. This was when I was around 6 years old. It was a big adjustment for me, because I had to get use to a different language and different climate. I also had to make new friends and figure out different people’s characters, which overall, was a bit difficult for me. Then again I had to start school right away, so I had to adapt fast, and about a year later, a chance to join dancing came about, but I was still settling down so I was a bit shy and didn’t want to partake in any social activities. Yet once I finished primary, it was a whole different story.

Q: What happened once you reached High School?

A: At that point, I was accustomed to the country. Not completely, but enough to do what I wanted to do. Having the ‘shy’ trait was no longer in my thoughts. I’ve always loved dancing, so I could continue this at that point. I auditioned for the Musical Theatre School called Gamta (Glasgow Academy of Musical, Theatre and Arts) and I got the part. After a while, another opportunity came about for a musical theatre, and that’s where I started acting. However I didn’t continue with this after a while, as I had my education to worry about, especially at the end of high school, and finals and all. So at that point, I wasn’t really focusing on anything other than studying, but once I finished my exams and got my results, which were good, then I started thinking about my future and passion.

Q: When did you decide to actually start acting?

A: Well after receiving my result, I auditioned for my High National Certificate (HNC) at the New College Lanankshire. You study HNC the first year of college normally. I worked hard and passed the first year, then the year after I did my High National Degree (HND). Believe me, if you don’t have the passion for acting, it would be difficult to complete the studies. I tried my hardest and I passed my second year as well, receiving my HND. Third year of college was completely different. I had to audition to see if I would continue to receive my Bachelor Award. I was really scared, but I just trusted myself, went out there and gave my best; I got in.

Q: So you’re like a fully qualified actress?

Yes I am.

Q: As for the professional acting, when did it truly begin?

A: While I was doing my Bachelor Award for the third year, I received information that a role was open, in a series called ‘River City’. I auditioned for the role and got it. To this day I’m still playing the role, almost two years now.

Q: That’s impressive. However I understand you have your own series…

A: Well, I’m the lead actress and it’s called ‘Raven’. My agent Lee Morgan Management got me the details for the role once it was opened up and I had already been a big fan. When watching Raven at a young age, I saw the strength and passion through such a character, and that’s exactly what I brought to the audition. I went out to the audition, gave it my all and won the part. I am the first female Raven. The past role was normally given to men. Through the role, I wanted and still want to inspire and create her as a role model for the viewers. I was so intoned with the part; I even went in with my own shaft.

Q: How has the series been going so far?

A: It’s been going great; many people message me and say that they admire the role I play. For now it plays on CBBC, but hopefully for the future we can expand to different channels as well. For now though, it’s been great. It’s playing every day, has great response from the public and the demand is high.

Q: And where do you see yourself in a year’s time?

A: Well I’m hoping in a year’s time I’ve taken part in more and different projects and show the acting industry my true potential and ability. For me, taking part in series is great. Acting has to create a sense of what you can be and something that would inspire you. Of course if a movie opportunity comes along I’ll want to be a part of it, because acting is in my blood. I’ve always wanted to perform and especially in movies, you get more time to work on your craft.

Q: Anything you would like to say to the public?

A: To act you need to have the passion and interest. Acting doesn’t mean you just show up in front of a screen and act, you have to learn your craft and you also have to have the ability. Acting is a tough industry. People will criticise you over any and every thing. You have to stay strong and keep your head up to make it to a higher point.

Q: How do you like Seychelles?

A: I love Seychelles. A part of me still lives here. My family is here and everything about it just makes me happy. Even the flies and mosquitoes remind me of my childhood here. I love coming to Seychelles to cool off from my busy schedule. Relaxing in such a beautiful place with people you love around you is a dream come true for me. Having the support of my mum in Glasgow then coming back here and having the support of my family members is just grand. Getting in back to my culture always puts me in a festive mood. Coming to Seychelles also gives me a chance to recover from the busy days of acting.

Aisha Toussaint is the first professional female actress from Seychelles starring in her own series. This should be a great motivation for those who wish to take up acting as a career. Not many people consider acting in Seychelles as career choice, but mainly a hobby. After seeing what this young woman is capable of at the age of 22, I believe it’s possible for people to further acting if they believe in their ability and have the willingness to do so.      

Compiled by U.J.