A YEAR IN THE WAITING by Alexia Demetriades

A Year In The Waiting

An Interview with Posi Morakinyo

Words: Alexia Demetriades Images: Fitria Adiyanti

wait | weIt |

verb [no object]

To remain in readiness for a purpose.

Most of us would confess that when it comes to the things of life that bring us the most joy, the act of waiting finds itself far, far down on a long, long list. In a world where life seems to happen at the speed of light and at the tip of our fingers, we have become a restless people; always looking for the next thing, always willing it to happen faster. Yet in our pursuit of a relentless need for something other than what we have right in front of us, the last two years have shaken things up in a way that no one could have expected, and forced us to press pause in a way no one knew they needed.

From wishing the waiting away to being held within its slow, still grasp, 2020 to 2021 has introduced us to a new way of life — life in the lane that lingers. And for one young man in London, this lane has led him on a journey with a destination worth the wait.

Meet Posi Morakinyo: one of West End’s rising stars and the talent behind character Raymond Hill in TINA — The Tina Turner Musical.

“I’m very grateful to be able to call this my job,” he laughed. “There was a time during the pandemic when I thought I’d never get to do this again. We kept being told we’d be back soon and then soon came and it was the next soon. At one point I wondered if I was ever going to be a performer again.” But mixed with his concern about whether he’d see the stage once more, Morakinyo experienced some incredible lessons that have shaped so much of who he is today both on and off the stage.

“One of the greatest things the pandemic has taught me is that in order to get the things I need, I have to be willing to sacrifice the things I want. I’ve learned that sometimes I have to die to my wants in order to give way to the things I really need - which has its challenges because there’s so much I want to do!” At just 21 years young, Morakinyo possesses a wisdom that many spend their whole lives trying to attain. Considering that each day he rubs shoulders with some of the industry’s greatest talents, it’s a quality that certainly compliments his job.

“For me, everything comes down to relationship. Working with these industry giants is incredible but our interactions can’t be forced. We don’t need to force conversation and we don’t have to be friends, but I’ll always put myself in a position where these things can happen organically. When you’re working with people who are experts in the field, I think it’s also really important to be open to their opinions. I’m always asking them to tweak my performance and give me feedback. By opening myself and my performance up to their thoughts, I’m showing them I want to hear what they have to say and people really warm to that.”

In the same way Morakinyo leans into the voices of his co-workers today, it was the people who he served with on Hillsong London’s Performing Arts team that ignited his passion for the performing arts in the first place.

“Working with the Performing Arts team was what gave life to my on-stage personality, and funnily enough, one of my first-ever professional performances was in our Carol’s event at Wembley — WEMBLEY!” Like so many others within the life of Hillsong, the people he has surrounded himself with have had a significant influence on his life. They have not only shaped so much of who he is and the character that has carried him into many of the opportunities he’s living in now, but they have also helped open doors for him in his career, nurturing his passion and helping him to turn it into a profession.

“Being involved in church has taught me about the importance of the community you [have] around as well as having a dedication to your craft. Everything we do comes from overflow so you need to be conscious about what you’re filling yourself up

“I’m built for this. When fear sets in I have to remember that and just go for it.”

with. You can’t give anything good if you don’t have anything good - you’ve got to have the good stuff within you.” Part of Morakinyo’s formula for the ‘good stuff’ is the ‘faith stuff’. Whether he is performing in front of thousands or is simply rehearsing with a co-star one-on-one, Morakinyo’s faith often acts as the light that leads his way through everything he commits himself to. Prayer in particular has been a foundational practice for him.

“Prayer has taught me to bring God with me wherever I go. I’m praying before rehearsals. I’m praying before I’m on stage. I’m praying every single night — asking God to do what only He can and giving each one of my performances to His hands. Everyone around me pretty much hears me praying all the time!” Morakinyo unashamedly lives his life where his faith is at the wheel, driving his life.

Before the pandemic hit, Morakinyo had just finished up his last tour and didn’t know what was next.

“I had no idea where the next job would come from or what it would be. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I had to learn to trust my agent and to trust in God. This role is my West End debut, and I went from not even knowing this was a musical to being cast as Raymond Hill within a few days of my first audition. Landing something like this has made me believe I’m built for this. When fear sets in, I have to remember that and just go for it.”

And go for it he has. Despite what others may have deemed a devastating pause in his profession as a performer, Morakinyo has used the pandemic to his advantage. He has leaned into its discomfort, allowing the highs and lows to become a part of the ebb and flow of his life. Rather than resisting the challenges that have crept towards him, he has allowed them to sharpen the things that a career would not — his relationship with his brother, his appreciation for his family, their vulnerability with one another and his sensitivity to the voice of God. Even in a world where everyone and everything seems to be shouting to be heard, the Divine Whisper still reigns supreme.