Film producers and art commentators have praised the fallen actor-cum-director Ashukile Mwakisulu as one of the people who lived up to their passion.
As one of the actors in Charles Shemu Joyah’s The Last Fishing Boat, Mwakisulu lay on the beach of Lake Malawi, side by side with the late Hope Chisanu in one of the scenes where he starred as Saidi. One could just admire the ease with which he played his character.
Mwakisulu twisted his tongue and sounded like a proper Yao fisher who makes his livelihood mongering on the beach.
Those who have known Mwakisulu from his youthful days have spoken of his undying passion for arts. They recall how he and his peers set the urban music spin rolling as part of youthful hip-hop setup.
A brief stint in South Africa saw him start his acting journey with a minor role in Phillip Noyce’s Catch a Fire in 2006. He later appeared in some South African adverts and another role in one-time popular series Isidingo: The Need.
His death has triggered widespread tributes from his peers, many of them who have lauded his passion, professionalism and dedication.
Miniter of Youth, Sports and Culture Patricia Wiskes has extended her condolences to the fallen actor’s family.
Seasoned film producer Charles Shemu Joya, who worked with the deceased in a number of projects, said his passing has hit the Malawian film industry hard.
“He had a towering presence on set, very passionate about acting and could not help smiling every time he spoke. His journey to heaven is a massive loss to the Malawian film industry,” he said.
Film producer Chaz said: “He shaped the film industry and played a major role in my journey. He was also one of the hip hop music pioneers.”
On his part, Amaryllis Holdings Group executive Ramy Waheed described Mwakisulu as a person full of energy, ideas and passion for life.
“I have known him for three years and during that time he became part of my professional journey. We have lost a brother, a dreamer and a truly good human being. He has left all of us who knew him in tears and with broken hearts,” he said.
Fellow actor Rhoberto Magasa said he will remember Ashukile as a man who never stopped dreaming and creating.
He said: “He was a positive energy, a giant of ideas and a true team player. He always had the hunger to achieve more.”
Mwakisulu’s acting profile includes a feature in Joyah’s two popular movies The Road to Sunrise and The Last Fishing Boat and most recently The Gunless Soldier. He is also behind the production of the movie All we have is us, the television series Choices and Mitekete.
The 50-year-old died on Monday. The actor hailed from Mwakisulu Village in Traditional Authority Kilupula in Karonga District. He will be buried today in his home district.
