She grew up idolising Whitney Houston and now Gqeberha-born Belinda Davids will step into the iconic role of Rachel Marron!
South Africa (11 October 2026) – A young South African from Gqeberha grew up singing Whitney Houston songs, never imagining she would one day travel the world performing them, earn standing ovations from international audiences and eventually be cast in the very role her childhood idol made famous. But that is exactly what has happened to South African singing sensation Belinda Davids, who has just been announced as the leading lady in The Bodyguard, the international musical making its South African premiere next year.
Belinda will take on the role of Rachel Marron, the superstar singer portrayed by Whitney Houston in the iconic 1992 film alongside Kevin Costner. The musical opens at Artscape in Cape Town on 12 March 2027 before heading to the Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg in April.
And for Belinda, this is a dream come true! The South African superstar took to TikTok to make the announcement.
Growing up in Gqeberha, Belinda fell in love with Whitney Houston’s music at just 6 years old. Without any formal vocal training, she developed an extraordinary four-octave vocal range and went on to build an international career performing “The Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston”. Her talent has taken her around the world, where she has performed to sold-out audiences and earned international recognition. In 2020, she reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent after an incredible performance of One Moment in Time, and in 2023, she earned a Golden Buzzer on Spain’s Got Talent: All-Stars.
Now, after years of celebrating Whitney Houston’s music, Belinda is preparing for an entirely new challenge. The Bodyguard will mark her musical theatre debut, giving audiences the opportunity to see her sing, act and dance in a production featuring some of Houston’s biggest hits, including “I Will Always Love You”, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “I Have Nothing”.
“I have loved Whitney Houston since I was a child, so to have this new opportunity… and fresh, exciting challenges! – is a wonderful blessing. I’m so grateful.”
And there is even more good news! The production will feature an entirely South African cast, crew and band, giving local theatre talent an incredible opportunity to shine.
Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management says Belinda is perfectly suited to the demanding role.
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The Bodyguard opens at Artscape in Cape Town on 12 March 2027 before heading to Johannesburg in April. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
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