A role to get the teeth into | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

WAIRARAPA performer Ralph Molesi has snagged the role of lead Hyena, Banzai, in the much-acclaimed musical production of the Disney hit, The Lion King. He is hoping to start his role as early as January depending on vacancies in the cast line-up. Molesi has a long history in the entertainment business, having performed country music for many years, picking up the prestigious Country Artist of the Year in the New Zealand Music Awards in 2001. He was chosen for the pivotal Hyena role in The Lion King from a host of local and international performers. "I was really excited to get the part. I was really pleased with myself and humbled at the same time," he said. Molesi has just come from performing as guest artist in the Trans Tasman Entertainer of the Year Awards in Auckland. He has been based in Auckland for the past 2? years where he has started up his own fashion label called Pacific Renaissance, while also working at the University of New Zealand in student support. Molesi cut his theatrical teeth doing school productions while attending Wairarapa College from 1993 to 1998. He has also been a member of the Wairarapa Country Music Club for 16 years.