Michael Usi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Usi
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Usi in 2023
|
|
| Vice-President of Malawi | |
| Assumed office 20 June 2024 |
|
| President | Lazarus Chakwera |
| Preceded by | Saulos Chilima |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Michael Bizwick Usi
16 December 1968 Malawi |
| Alma mater | University of Bedfordshire |
| Occupation |
|
| Spouse(s) | Ella Usi |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Outstanding Service to youth ministries using theatre – 2008 West Central Africa Division, Nigeria |
Michael Bizwick Usi was born on December 16, 1968, in Malawi. He is a well-known Malawian politician, actor, playwright, and musician. Currently, he serves as the Vice-President of Malawi. Before this important role, he was a government minister, helping to manage areas like tourism, culture, wildlife, natural resources, and climate change. Many people know him as "Dr. Manga" from his famous film and for directing the TV series Tikuferanji.
Contents
Michael Usi's Career Journey
Michael Usi became very popular in Malawi through his acting on MBC Radio 1. At that time, Malawi did not have national TV. His radio plays often talked about important social and political issues in Malawi.
Acting and Film Work
After his radio success, Usi started making feature films. His movies often show real-life situations and challenges faced by people in Malawi. He is known for his role as "Dr. Manga" in the film Dr. Manga. He also directed the MBC TV series called Tikuferanji, which means "Why Are We Dying". Michael Usi is very passionate about growing the film industry in Malawi. He often speaks about how to make it bigger and better.
Education and Youth Focus
Michael Usi earned his PhD from the University of Bedfordshire around 2015. His studies focused on how young people can get involved in helping their country grow. He researched different ways young people contribute in many countries around the world.
Political Roles and Leadership
Michael Usi has held several important positions in the Malawian government.
- In February 2019, he was chosen by United Transformation Movement (UTM) leader Saulos Chilima to be his running mate for the national elections.
- In July 2020, President Lazarus Chakwera appointed him as the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Culture.
- In January 2023, he became the Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change.
- On June 20, 2024, Michael Usi was appointed as the Vice-President of Malawi. This happened after the sad passing of the previous Vice-President, Saulos Chilima, in a plane crash.
Michael Usi's Personal Life
Michael Usi was born on December 16, 1968. He went to Mulanje Secondary School. He once worked for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), which is an organization that helps people. He is married to Ella Usi, who used to be a nurse at Blantyre Adventist Hospital.
Michael Usi's Creative Works
Michael Usi has created many films and TV series that are popular in Malawi and beyond.
Films
- Dr Manga: A comedy about a Malawian houseboy named Dr. Manganya.
- Manganya in Action
- Living on Perfume (2009): This film was made in Malawi and Burundi. It explores conditions in Malawian prisons and the justice system. It also touches on politics and love. The film features actors from different countries, including Australia, Britain, Malawi, and Sweden.
- International Cook
- Watch Out (2010): Filmed in the Washington D.C. area, this movie tells the story of a man trying to live in the U.S. with a visitor's visa.
TV Series
- Tikuferanji (Why Are We Dying): A popular TV series he directed.
Awards and Recognition
- Michael Usi received an award for Outstanding Service to youth ministries using theatre in 2008 from the West Central Africa Division in Nigeria. This award recognized his efforts in using theater to help young people.
