Michael Usi
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By Yungsea
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Michael Bizwick Usi is a Malawian politician. He is the current vice-President of Malawi following the death of Dr Saulos Chilima ,[1] after having served as the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Wildlife until January 30th, 2023;[2][3] and as the Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change[4]. Michael Usi is also a movie actor, playwright, and musician.[5] 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).[6]
- Michael Usi
Born
Michael Bizwick Usi
16 December 1968 (age 55)
Malawi
Alma mater
University of Bedfordshire
Occupations
Actormusicianplaywrightpolitician
Spouse
Ella
Awards
Outstanding Service to youth ministries using theatre – 2008 West Central Africa Division, Nigeria
Personal life
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Born in 1968. He attended Mulanje Secondary School. He once worked for Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).
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He is married to Ella, a now retired nurse who, before retiring was working at Blantyre Adventist Hospital.[7]
Career
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In the absence of national TV in Malawi, he gained his popularity by acting on radio plays on MBC Radio 1 in Malawi.[5] 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.
The focus of his PhD, which he gained from the University of Bedfordshire in about 2015, is on youth engagement in developing their country. His research involved review of youth engagement strategies in many countries.
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.
On 31st January 2023, he was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change.[8]
On 20 June 2024, Michael Usi was appointed the Vice President of Malawi by President Lazarus Chakwera. The appointment was made in accordance with section 84 of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi.[9]
Works
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Films
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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.[10] 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.[10]
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).[11]
TV series
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Tikuferanji (Why Are We Dying) – A series that enlightens Malawian about HIV/Aids and encouraging healthy love and sex lives.[12]
Awards
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Outstanding Service to youth ministries using theatre – 2008 West Central Africa Division, Nigeria
Work History Timeline
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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
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“Cabinet”. www.malawi.gov.mw. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
“Malawi Government Carbinet”. December 2022. {{cite web}}: Check |archive-url= value (help)
“Chakwera drops Tonse secretary generals Mkaka, Kaliati in Cabinet – Malawi Nyasa Times – News from Malawi about Malawi”. www.nyasatimes.com. 1 February 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
“Cabinet”. www.malawi.gov.mw. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
Times, Nyasa. (13 July 2009) ‘Manganya’ releases new film: Living on Perfume, Malawi news. Nyasatimes.com. Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
Manganya hires professional actors in ‘Watch Out’. Mwnation.com (17 September 2010). Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
“Manganya and wife survive electrocution”. afriem.org. 22 December 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
Chiwayula, McDonald (1 February 2023). “CHAKWERA HIRES NEW CABINET”. Malawi Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
Aes, Sage. “Michael Usi Biography”. Aesplora. Sage. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
Keteta, Madalitso. (7 August 2009) Jamati Online | ‘Living on Perfume’ Comes Up Smelling Roses. Jamati.com. Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
“Manganya shoots new film in US”. Nationmw.net (9 July 2010). Retrieved on 2010-11-13.
“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.