Michael Usi

Michael Bizwick Usi (aka Dr Manganya) is a Malawian movie actor, playwright, politician, and musician.[1] As an actor, he is most famously known for his role as "Dr. Manga" in the film Dr. Manga. He is also the director of the MBC TV series Tikuferanji (Why Are We Dying).[2]

Personal life

He attended Mulanje Secondary School. He once worked for Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

Marriage life

He is married to Ella, a nurse who works at Blantyre Adventist Hospital.[3]

Career

In the absence of national TV in Malawi, he gained his popularity by acting on radio plays on MBC Radio 1 in Malawi.[1] He then began making feature films. His works comment on topical issues in Malawi and reflect the social and political realities of Malawian life.

Usi is involved in trying to build the film industry in Malawi and constantly advocates for the growth of the industry in Malawi. In 2010 he made an appearance at the MWA (Malawi Washington Association) Extravaganza 2010 Panel discussion hosted by the MWA at the Malawian Embassy in Washington DC where he discussed the history of the Malawian Film industry and his ideas on its expansion.


On 6 February 2019, United Transformation Movement (UTM) Party leader Saulos Klaus Chilima unveiled Michael Usi as his running mate for May 21 tripartite elections.

On 8 July 2020, Michael Usi was appointed Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture of the Republic of Malawi in the cabinet of President Lazarus Chakwera.

Works

Films
  • Dr Manga – Comedy about a Malawian Houseboy, Dr. Manganya.
  • Manganya in Action
  • Living on Perfume (2009) – Filmed on location in Malawi and Burundi, the film details the conditions in Malawian prisons and the Malawian penal system. It also comments on politics and love throughout its four episodes.[4] It features an international cast of Australian, British, Malawian and Swedish actors. Local artists featured are Ruth Simika, Augustine Mauwa, Deus Sandramu, and Gift Namachekecha.[4]
  • International Cook
  • Watch Out (2010) – Filmed in location in the Washington DC metro area, this film is the story of the experiences of a man trying to settle in the US with a Visitor's Visa. Featuring Clare Johnson (American), Brendon Mitchell (American), and Albert Kazako (Malawian).[5]

TV series
  • Tikuferanji (Why Are We Dying) – A series that enlightens Malawian about HIV/Aids and encouraging healthy love and sex lives.[6]

Awards
  • Outstanding Service to youth ministries using theatre – 2008 West Central Africa Division, Nigeria

Work History Timeline
  • Dr. Manga (Film)
  • Mangayana in Action (Film)
  • International Cook (Film)
  • Tikuferanji (Why Are We Dying) (TV Series)
  • Living on Perfume (Film)-2009
  • Watch Out (Film)- 2010

References
  1. Times, Nyasa. (13 July 2009) 'Manganya' releases new film: Living on Perfume, Malawi news. Nyasatimes.com. Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
  2. Manganya hires professional actors in ‘Watch Out’. Mwnation.com (17 September 2010). Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
  3. "Manganya and wife survive electrocution". afriem.org. 22 December 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  4. Keteta, Madalitso. (7 August 2009) Jamati Online | 'Living on Perfume' Comes Up Smelling Roses. Jamati.com. Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
  5. "Manganya shoots new film in US". Nationmw.net (9 July 2010). Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
  6. "Malawi’s new film Living On Perfume opens in two weeks" Archived 13 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Arts Review (17 July 2009). Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
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