In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions.
Today, we’re talking to Aisha Jawando and Jammy Kasongo who will star in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical playing at the Aldwych Theatre from 5 August – 26 June 2022.
Aisha will be playing the lead role of the global icon, Tina Turner and has previously starred in the original London cast of Motown The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Fela! at the National Theatre, Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre and more!
Jammy will be playing Tina’s partner, Ike Turner, and you may know him from his roles in Grand Hotel at the Southwark Playhouse, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical at the Aldwych Theatre and Hair at The Vaults.
This powerful, iconic Olivier Award-nominated show reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender and race.
Grab a cuppa and settle down as we find out more about Aisha and Jammy!
1. My route into theatre was…
Aisha: I jumped on a bus from South London (haha!)
Jammy: I was put in a drama class in high school by accident.
2. My West End idol is…
Aisha: I don’t actually have an idol in the West End. It’s just a personal thing of recognizing people’s work at that moment in time and giving them their flowers.
Jammy: Adrian Lester
Aisha Jawando and the cast of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical. (Photo credit: Manuel Harlan)
3. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Aisha: Oh gosh! That’s kinda hard… I do really love Once On This Island.
Jammy: Company
4. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Aisha: This one. I just keep getting shocked with every job I am gifted with.
Jammy: Getting my first West End Show!
Aisha Jawando and Jammy Kasongo. Photo Credit Dan Kennedy
5. What I love the most about my role is…
Aisha: Playing a black woman. A strong yet soft, black woman!
Jammy: The passion of Ike.
6. My favourite song from the show is…
Aisha: I don’t know if I can answer that question! I have so many hahahaha!!
Jammy: Higher. The energy is big, the costumes are glamorous, and the song and performance blend beautifully in this euphonic, wonderfully colourful number.
Aisha Jawando as Tina Turner. (Photo credit: Manuel Harlan)
7. The most challenging part about the role I play is…
Aisha: Managing my energy and always giving out the right amount.
Jammy: The violence.
8. What does Tina Turner mean to you?
Aisha: That I have been given a light that is meant to shine and don’t let ANYBODY try to snuff that light out.
Jammy: Strength.
Aisha Jawando as Tina Turner in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical (Photo credit: Manuel Harlan)
9. A message that people can take from the show and apply to real life is…
Aisha: You were made for such a time as this!
Jammy: Fight for your dreams.
10. If I had to sum up the show in one line, it would be…
Aisha: No weapon fashioned or formed against me shall prosper. Can I get an amen!?
Jammy: Dope!
If you’re looking for a show that will inspire you, something that will get you moving and grooving or an iconic musical that will leave you feeling revived, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical will be a pleaser! Grab your tickets to see this must-see show below.