Manganya speaks on his new movie, finances

Michael Usi, who is popularly known as Manganya in acting circles, is a well-off actor and one of the country’s influential figures who is behind Tikuferanji series and personal movies.
Among other big projects to his credit, Manganya is set to officially release a multi-million kwacha Kamuzu film which he produced three years ago.
According to Manganya, Kamuzu film, which has both Malawian and British settings, cost him over K14 million.

But the question is: ‘Looking at the landscape of the country’s acting career and economic outlook, where does Manganya source the money for his forceful acting career?
“Well, Michael Usi is a professional who has been working since 1990s. So, if you ask me about the source of money for my acting career, I will tell you that I save money and know where to use it at the right time,” said Usi, who is acting country director for  Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra Malawi).
He said he is passionate about people’s welfare that is why he sometimes invests personal resources into his acting career.
“When I feel there are human interest issues that require my energy, time and resources, I don’t’ hesitate to invest. I am an agent of the vulnerable groups in the country who are facing all sorts of injustices. Therefore, I don’t regret investing my personal resources when I know that my cause is beneficial to the voiceless,” said Usi, adding that the late Kamuzu Banda’s enthusiasts, such as some professors in the United Kingdom, have supported his Kamuzu film as well.
Usi also said government, through Malawi Police Service (MPS), has also rendered supported the film project.
“All the government administrations have supported the Kamuzu film started with the late Bingu wa Mutharika, who was also a fan of Kamuzu. And I am looking forward to a continued relationship and conducive environment with government,” said Usi.
He described the film as a project of great importance because it highlights critical lessons for the good of the country.
“For instance, Kamuzu Banda died before some people were born. Therefore, it seeks to educate the youthful generation of the kind of a leader he was and appreciate his legacy. At the same time, Kamuzu film wants to spark debate so that people should make judgements,” he said.
However, Kamuzu film, which Usi has been posting its release dates, will officially be released this year and it will be distributed to TV stations and other Malawians for free.
He said: “Kamuzu film will be out by March this year. We were finalising some areas. You know, it’s not easy to come up with a Kamuzu film because it needed a bit of research and collection of costume such as the old uniform which the then police used to wear.”  n