fierce female force

Between a photoshoot and a grand Nigerian dinner, Lorna Maseko pauses to chat persistence, inspiration, what’s coming next and how to get there. And food, of course

- JOËLLE DAVIDSON

Lorna Maseko is a woman on a journey, and not just around South Africa like in her groundbreaking BBC Lifestyle show Homegrown Tastes South Africa. Once SA’s first black ballerina to perform a principal role, Lorna hasn’t stopped moving forward with tenacity and a good helping of star power. Now, years later, she’s bringing some heat on the international foodie scene as a renowned chef and spokeswoman for South African flavour.

What Lessons From Being A Professional Ballerina Do You Carry With You Today?

The art of perseverance and the pursuit of perfection, which can never be reached. In ballet, you are looking at the mirror for eight hours of the day, trying to perfect a position, jump or pirouette. These traits have carried me through my career as a TV host, celebrity chef and entrepreneur. 

Now You’re In The Chef World. What Life Lessons Have You Gained From The Kitchen?

I’ve had to work really hard to solidify my position in the culinary space. I did not have the typical ‘went to chef school, worked in a kitchen, and so on’. I’m a chef-school dropout. I left after three months because I didn’t like it and I wanted to learn in a better way. I think that we all thrive in different learning circumstances and for me, school wasn’t one. I decided to teach myself how to cook and better myself. So, life lesson? I think it’s being persistent. Continuing and not giving up.

In Homegrown Tastes South Africa, You Explore Our Local Dishes And The Cultures They Emerge From. What South African Dish Would You Like To See Get More Recognition?