But, he soon discovered there was a world of opportunity to be found in the regional hub that he would never have come across in the big smoke.

After finishing school, Abu took a year to travel and decided what his passions were.

"I think it is essential to step back, rest and evaluate where you want to get in life and take a leap," he said.

"I got to star in Kinky Boots which was incredible."

Abu was recently announced as a finalist in the Artists of Colour Initiative, an opportunity that could catapult his career forward.

"I was so overwhelmed with joy. I was screaming when I saw I was a semi-finalist," he said.

In the first round of the competition, each applicant was asked to submit one video of themselves singing or rapping any song from a musical; one video of themselves dancing; an introductory video and a response to how they would spend $5,000 to further their career.

"I chose Land of Lola from Kinky Boots," Abu said.

"This song is what brought me into musical theatre. It is what made me realise I wanted to pursue this.

"I am excited to see how the semi-finals go."

For the next round of the AOC Initiative competition, the semi-finalists must submit one video of themselves singing or rapping any song from a musical that contrasts their first-round submission, one video of themselves performing a monologue of their choice and a 700-word mission statement outlining their ideal future study plans as well as long term goals and initiatives.

The latest AOC Initiative GoFundMe campaign has raised over $26,000 with a new target goal now set to $40,000.

The winner receives 50 per cent of the funds, the runner up 20 per cent and the final four is awarded 7.5 per cent each of the funds.

In addition to this prize pool, two applicants receive a full scholarship valued at $12,000 to attend Village Nation Performing Arts in 2021 to receive their Diploma in Musical Theatre.

Abu said even if he does not win the scholarship, he will not be dissuaded from chasing his dream.

"I am hoping to attend uni next year and learn more because I always think there is room for improvement," he said.

"I want to express that part of me and show that to the world.

"In Year Nine, I made a list of what I wanted to accomplish, and I wanted to dance, sing and act."

Abu remembers watching Legally Blonde at the Civic Theatre and seeing the joy on performers' faces. An emotion he feels when on stage.

With dreams of starring in Kinky Boots on Broadway and being the first person of colour to play Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen, Abu knows one just has to put in the hard work.

"Living in regional areas and as a person of colour, it's not always our story that is getting told," he said.

"I feel like that is what motivates me to get my face and name out there, so people who look like me can look up to me.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"I want to be a part of musicals and plays that tell the stories of people of colour. That is my biggest goal."

Abu said he could not do it without his friends and family backing him.

"I have a very strong support system," he said.

"This year, I lost a lot of confidence because I had done so much last year, and this year everything just shut down, so I was trapped.

"My teachers are so great. The biggest thank you goes to mum, she is the best cheerleader a person could ask for."