Shona Ferguson’s sudden passing leaves a mark in SA Film and Television industry
For the past three days, my mind could not help it but just think about how Shona Ferguson, together with his wife Connie revolutionized SA entertainment industry, Film and Television to be precise.
In a country that is still grappling with a lot of challenges even after 27 years of independence, where black people still find it so difficult to find a foot in the Film and Television industry, let alone become movers and shakers, Shona and Connie did it. From their olden days of acting in some of the country ‘s weekdays TV shows to creating and building an entire empire together is truly massive.
Through the Ferguson Films — a film production company which the two established in 2010, they brought a new chapter to SA’s filmmaking, not only as media house owners but as content creators who also juggled the roles of portraying various characters in the very same productions they have created. Theirs is an inspiring story that has never been seen in SA entertainment.
I want to believe that the two also birthed a beacon of hope to so many black aspiring filmmakers, that it is possible to become media moguls even when circumstances are not favorable. That, it is possible to achieve those rare dreams in an industry that still favors the minority, in an industry that for some people, makes them but also gets to spit them out like dirt in the end, as we have witnessed in the past.
Even when it comes to love and wealth in their purest forms hey, the Fergusons did it. Their love story was a beautiful and unique one, that always made one to watch and admire from a place of love and hope because it looked so genuine. I remember the time when I was still on Instagram and seeing just how the two are definitely quite an inspiration to a lot of people, made me to believe that beautiful things are meant for everyone and not just certain people and that we, as black people, deserve them too.
I mean, the two were serving us with everyday dreams that we yearn for as human beings, dreams that only money or wealth can buy, dreams that I believe many are working towards, particularly young people. Not forgetting ‘your relationship goals’ type of vibes with those beautiful vacations. We all know that one cannot just wake up and say “I want to go to the Seychelles for a vacation” but with wealth, it is possible.
I find it so hard to mention Shona without including Connie because the two were just so inseparable. Also, it is undeniably evident that the legacy he leaves behind is a ground-breaker for SA entertainment industry, one that we can only hope gets to be carried forward.
May his soul rest in peace.
