Former childhood star Sade Gilberti reflects on her journey

Child stars fascinate us, captivating audiences with their talent and charm. But as they grow older they face intense scrutiny, and pressure to maintain their fame. We revisit former child star Sade Giliberti who stole our hearts at a young age. We explore her rise to fame, the challenges she faced, and where she is now. x

Do you remember your first presenting job?

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I got my first presenting gig when I was seven. I have no idea how, because I don’t remember auditioning – but I remember doing a five-minute Christian show, and it was so much fun. Three years later I landed a gig at YoTV, and that was the start of what would then make me a household name.

Sade as a young presenter, Image: Supplied

What’s your earliest memory of YoTV?

We used to call our set a pozzie, we had a kitchen, bathroom and lounge, and everything was overgrown – we used to do links in the bathroom and pretend to brush our teeth with massive overgrown toothbrushes I’ll always remember that because the kid who was in the bathroom had the longest script, and we all started there; then we were fully integrated into YoTV. That’ll always stick with me, because it was the beginning of something epic.

You became famous at an early age.What did that teach you?

I think starting early helped; I was surrounded by people who were there to protect and mould me into a better person. They taught me the importance of remaining humble. The YoTV producers continuously reminded us that we were no different to the kid who was watching us at home. We were just in a lucky position, to be on TV. So, when we’d see that kid in public and they were excited to see us, we were taught to reciprocate the excitement.

What struggles did you face, and how did you overcome them?

My teen years were the hardest. I couldn’t be seen hanging out in a club, driving a car or drinking, because I was a presenter on a kiddies’ show. So I think the hardest thing was trying to navigate that while growing in the public eye, and media scrutiny.

At some point, did you feel certain shows weren’t ready for you to express yourself authentically as a queer person?

At YoTV I was still navigating my sexuality, and they allowed me to be myself. Then So You Think You Can Dance came along, and somehow, I had to change my look – I didn’t have a problem with that, but I didn’t know to what extent. Then the weave, nails and dresses came in; I remember being very nervous for the first episode, because this wasn’t an acting job – I didn’t understand why they didn’t just allow me to be myself. But at the same time,I told myself, I’m going to take this look and show people that I have versatility, and can be a girl in a cocktail dress and still be a good presenter.

What do you wish you knew then that you know now – personally, and in terms of your career?

I wish people had told me how hard it is to remain in the industry, and how hard the industry can be. And just because you’re here, it doesn’t mean everything is just going to come to you all the time. We were taught everything else, but not the business side of the industry; and that would have been great to know.

Any possibility of coming back to SA?

I’ve never dismissed coming home. I had a moment, with the industry, where I felt shafted by my own people and industry; but I’ve never turned my back. I always tell my industry friends, I’m just one flight away – I’ll come for a job tomorrow!

What’s the difference between SA and UK audiences?

Nobody knows me here. I’m starting from scratch; it’s reminded me how I love doing what I do. And it’s humbled me more than I already was, and put me in a position where I’m way hungrier than I was. I’m constantly on casting and putting myself out there. Coming to London was restarting my career.

Sade during her time at YoTv, Image:Supplied

What message would you like to share with the youth of South Africa?

You’re setting trends that have come way before you; but at the same time, you are the trendsetters, because you’re here to make positive change for the future. Those who can vote, use this opportunity to vote. Use social media for positive – be a voice that’s going to be a ripple effect of paying it forward and creating the future we want.