By: Entertainment Reporter
Aaron Arthur “Shona” Ferguson is a name that is highly recognised in the entertainment industry today. However, there was a time when the South African actor, executive producer and co-founder of Ferguson Films was turned down by many naysayers.
Shona took to his social media this week and shared a detailed thread of the rejection he faced in the early stages of his career.
His tweets reflected on the difficulty he dealt with when he was trying to get into the industry and being told by numerous producers, agents and veteran actors that he was not going to go far.
A moment of reflection & gratitude:
An agent told me it wasn’t going to be easy to get me jobs because I didn’t have the right “look”. A veteran actor, loved & respected by millions told me I am not memorable & so did lot of producers. Many actors criticized me & made bets I would never make it in this industry.
— UNCLE SHO (@Shona_Ferguson) June 21, 2021
Shona also used his thread to reflect on the tough times he faced financially, struggling to catch a break and being unable to even afford toothpaste.
There was a time in my life I couldn’t afford toothpaste & I brushed my teeth with sunlight bar soap. Had bogobe le cabbage for years coz I couldn’t afford meat. We were so broke we couldn’t afford paraffin for the lamps. We didn’t have much but GOD was with us.
— UNCLE SHO (@Shona_Ferguson) June 21, 2021
Also read: Somizi cringes when black children can’t speak their mother tongue
He took the time to thank his mom and dad for their resilience and constant prayers throughout the dark times. The director and producer of Kings of Joburg doesn’t allow the opinions of others to determine his success.
I learn more from my failures than I do from my successes. With every level of success comes new devils so u can never stop praying & feeding ur soul with positivity, love & gratitude. We are not @ war with the flesh anymore or strangers opinions on social media, as many believe.
— UNCLE SHO (@Shona_Ferguson) June 21, 2021
His message reiterates that with every door that doesn’t open there is one that will if you believe.
Also read:WATCH: “If you’re toxic I cut you out of my circle,” says Shona Ferguson



